
Class J ^ /3 6 

Book « IT 3 



i 







Engraved by Edv/inMElli, 




THE 

TRIPLE WREATH 

POEFSS 

oTsr 

VARIOUS SUBJECTS 

SAMUEL JOII^'SON. 



The "Triple Wreath "—of Pa! m or Laurel? No! 

Of worldly fame it does not claim a part ; 
Its leaves, and buds, and varied blossoms show 

The impress cf their native soil, the heart. 

Susan Wilson. 



NEWTOWN, Pa. 

S. J. & E. M. PAXSON. 

PHILADELPHIA: T. E. CHAPMAN. 

No. 74 North Fourth St. 



1844. 



53 



f<.a^ 



BIOGRAPHIC Sivi.i 



As mankind naturally take an interest in the history of 
those, who like themselves have encountered the trials, and 
discharged the duties of this mutable state of being, it is be- 
lieved the following particulars of the lifeof Samuel Johnson, 
may interest the readers of this volume. 

His father, William Johnson, was a native of Ireland, and 
a brother of Jervis Johnson, a minister of the society of 
Friends, who some years since visited this Country in that 
capacity. William Johnson was married to Ruth Potts of 
Trenton, N. Jersey, and settled in Philadelphia, where Sam- 
uel, their youngest son vpas born in 1763. Shortly after, 
his parents removed to Charleston, South Carolina, where 
they remained until he had attained the age of four years. — • 
At this period his father died, and his mother returned with 
her four children to Philadelphia. In this place, and at Bor- 
dcntoun, N. J., they continued for several years, when the 
fami!y removed to Trenton. There they resided till after the 
memorable battle of 1778 of which many striking incidents 
were often related by the subject of this memoir. They re- 
saained in 7'renton but a short time after that event, the busi- 



IV 

ness in which they were engag^ed, having been much af- 
fected by the unsettled state of the country. They then re- 
moved to Hunterdon County, and occupied a dwelling near 
that of Henry Cliffton, a hatter, who carried on an extensive 
business. He was connected by marriage with our author's 
mother, and being an exemplary and amiable man, she read- 
ily consented to place her son under his care, as an appren- 
tice to the hatting business. To this period frequent allu- 
sion has been made by himself, and during the remainder 
of his life, he continued to enjoy an uninterrupted inter- 
course with the family ; of his strong attachment to the mem- 
bers of it, he has left abundant proofs. There is ample evi- 
dence that those early years, were not only happily spent, 
but that the head of the establishment watched over his 
charge with a truly parental care, and while all due attention 
was given relative to instruction in his particular line of busi- 
ness, he did not neglect his moral, literary, and more espe- 
cially religious culture. His mind seems very eauiy to 
have been impressed with a sense of religious obligation, and 
the imperative duty of seeking the protection of that benefi- 
cient Being from whom all our real enjoyments are derived. 
When his term of apprenticeship had expired, after continu- 
ing with his valued preceptor for a short time in the capaci- 
ty of journeyman, he resolved to look abroad in the world 
to endeavor to find art opening for business. With this ob- 
ject in view, he visited the City of New York. Of this 
eventful period of his life he ever after retained the most 
vivid recollections. After the lapse of forty -six years, during 
which he had enjoyed an uninterrupted course of prosperity 
in his worldly affairs, he was called to pay the last tribute 



of respect to his venerable benefactor and friend. Of his 
visit to the family at this time, he has given an account in 
a lette" to a correspondent, and as the narrative portrays 
in lively colors his feelings at an interesting epoch, we give 
the following extract. 

"I returned last evening with my daughter A.J. P., from 
the funeral of an old and valued friend, with whom I learn- 
ed my occupation. We left home on third day at noon, ar- 
rived there that evening, and on the next day the interment 
took place. We spent the evening with the bereaved family, 
the inmates of which I had known for more than half a 
century. 

It was a solemn time to me, and my mind was mnch 
drawn into serious contemplation of the past. It had been 
eight years my home, in the giddy season of youth. I arose 
early next morning, and paid a short visit' to an old aquaint- 
ance whom I had fifty years ago known to be an early riser. 
On the way back to the house of my deceased friend, I felt 
a strong impulse to visit some scenes in which my youth 
had been deeply interested, particularly one connected with 
a circumstance that occurred when I had arrived at the ago 
of twenty-one years, and was about to set out from the hos- 
pitable mansion, where so many happy days of my youth 
had been spent, to seek my fortune in the world. It was in 
the afternoon of a fine day in summer. With three half 
guineas (my all) in my pocket, I commenced my journey 
for the City of New York on foot. — I remembered it vivid- 
ly as if it had been but yesterday. — With a heavy heart I be- 
gan my pilgrimage, and slowly descended from the eminence 
(my late home) towards that I had left when I went appre n- 



VI 



tice, then known by the name of Mount Carmel. But when 
I descended, and arrived at a rivulet in the bed of the valley, 
which cro3?eJ my path, less than half a mile from the home 
I had left, I became so oppressed with the magnitude of the 
concern in which I was about to embark that I felt as if I could 
proceed, at present, no further, and looked forward to the 
prospect before me with dread and apprehension; I had hith- 
erto been provided for by my friends, " Content and careless 
of to-morrow's fare," but now I must provide for myself. — 
^Ty stock on hand was small ; I had a character to establish 
\vherever I might go for steadiness and sobriety, and to make 
friends if I could find them, where my lot should be cast. — 
These considerations so overwhelmed me, that I sat down by 
the way side, and burst into tears. I called upon the or- 
phan's friend, to be my friend, and if He would but give me 
bread to cat, and raiment to put on, T would be therewith con- 
tent. 

"A^ter a lapse of half an hour, I grew more composed, 
brushed the dew from my eyelids, arose with my staff' and 
budget of clothes, crossed the little Jordan before me, and 
traveled on with a lighter step and brighter hopes, bidding 
adieu, as I then thought, to all behind me forever. It was 
this spot, so consecrated, that I wished to visit yesterday 
morning, but I feared my limbs would not bear me out in so 
long a walk, as I had been on my feet for some time. I 
paused to consider of it — advance*' a few steps — found my 
lameness merely nominal — then descended into the narrow 
dell at the foot of Carmel. But ere I had half reached the 
gpot, every feeling of my heart was alive, and my tears began 
to flow freely. What had T xot received of the bounty of 



vu 



Heaven 1 — more than I haJ dared to ask for at my outset fa 
life; wife beloved — children justly endeared, friends nearer 
than self, — competency, for the humble sufficient. — 
When I came to the spot, I eyed it v\ith rapturous enthusi- 
asm, I looked around eagerly for the place I had set or knelt 
on forty and six years before, and when I had found it, I 
threw myself on my knees, and poured forth a tribute of grat- 
itude more fervent than I ever felt or uttered before. The 
time, the cool of the day, the place a narrow valley, crossed 
hy a well kno7.n stream, which neither time, nor the sum- 
mer's drought had been able to dry up, and issuing from the 
hill Carmel, where my widowed mother, two sisters and self^ 
had found an asylum from the cruel ravages of war, after wiJ- 
nessing the defeat and captivity of the Hessians at Trenton, 
and a fiercer battle shortly after. I was by the road side, and 
travellers might pass and think me disnrdt-red in mind, but I 
cared not, it was a devotional act, which ^'fejoice I was ena- 
bled to perform, and I hope the incense of a heart that feels 
a desire to be grateful. 

'■The friend, whose interment I attended, was the last of tlio 
heads of that family. His wife, my affectionate Aunt by 
marriage, had entered the narrow house many years before, 
being considerably older than he with whom I had lived eight 
years, and whose eye v?as never turned on me but with kind- 
ness. I never saw his temper break out over the guarded 
bounds of the humble Christian character. He was an el- 
der, the prop of their little meeting, and his loss will be se-« 
verely felt by their little society ; but some of them I trust 
have oil in their vessels, and their light may still shine toil-* 
lumiue the path of humble inquirers." 



Vlll 



After remaining a few months in New York, the subject of 
this memoir returned to the home that was connected in his 
mind with so many endearing associations, and his former 
friend and guardian wishing to retire from active life, he 
commenced business for himself, and boarded in the family. 
There he remained several years. From thence he removed 
to Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and purchased a situation in 
Buckingham, where he established himself in his former oc- 
cupation. 

During the second year of his residence in this place, he 
formed a matrimonial connection with Martha Hutchinson, 
daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth Hutchinson, who resid- 
ed in the neighborhood, and never has such a union been 
productive of more perfect domestic felicity. They were 
married in 1788. Some years previous, his mother had mar- 
ried Oliver Paxson, of Solebury, Bucks county, and living 
but a few miles distant from his own location largely con- 
tributed to his social enjoyments. 

He remained in this place about nine years, and during 
that time his family had received an addition of two daugh- 
ters and a son. 

In the year 1797 he purchased a farm in the neighborhood 
and relinquished his occupation for that of husbandry. In 
this pursuit he was actively engaged for near thirty years, 
during which time, in the seclusion of a country life, and 
the enjoyment of the domestic circle, his days glided on in 
uninterrupted serenity. His appreciation of the calm de- 
lights of that period, is expressed by himself in a poem enti- 
tled the "Harp," written after he had attained his seventieth 



IX 



year, and inscrlbeJ to her who had so long shared with him 
the jo)s and sorrows of this probationary scene. 

Though a life spent without the occurrence of any remark- 
able vicissitudes of fortune, is not calculated to furnish inci- 
dents for biography, yet has the subject of this sketch left a 
satisfactory evidence in the minds of his cotemporaries, (in- 
dependently of the moral tendency of his writings,)that his in- 
tegrity and uprightness rendered him a benefactor to his fellow 
men, in his limited sphere of action. For twenty years he 
held the office of Magistrate, and was eminently useful in dis- 
pensing justice in his immediate neighborhood ; endeavoring 
on all occasions to induce the parties to settle their differen- 
ces in an amicable manner, and he was frequently successful 
in accomplishing this object, notwithstanding an appeal had 
been made to the law. He was also extensively employed 
as arbitrator, and by the soundness of his judgment, and 
the clearness of his views in relation to the principles of equi- 
ty, he became known as a prompt and efficient man in public 
business. 

In the year 1830 he removed with his wife to the dwelling 
of his son-in-law, Thomas Paxson. He had several years be- 
fore retired from busy life, relinquishing the charge of his 
farm to his son, William H. Johnson. At that period his 
literary lite may with propriety be said to have commenced. 
His time was generally devoted to reading, corresponding 
with his friends, or in poetic composition, his favorite pursuit. 

In the winter of 1840 his wife after a short illness, was re- 
moved by death; he was wont to speak of this afflicting be- 
reavement, in terms of the deepest feeling, but was prepared 
to exclaim in humility of soul, "The Lord gave, and the Lord 



hntli taken away ; blesseil be tlie narac of the Lord." 

'i'he lastyear of his life his health gradually decHueJ, but 
he continued to enjoy the society of his friends, and his ha- 
LitUiil cheerfulness never forsook him. A short time previous 
to his death, he observed, in reply to an expression of sympa- 
thy from a friend who took leave of him — '•! have parsed a 
long Hfe almost free from pain and sorrow, — Shall I then rnur- 
inur if a few months of suffering are apportioned me at the 
flose of my eartlily pilgrimage?" 

His tranquil and useful life, came at length to a peaceful 
close, in the eighty-first year of his age. 



THE HARP. 

Addeessed to Samuel Jonxsox, ox eeceiving a voiu.^iK 

OF HIS Poems, pbisted ijt 1835. 

Too long has it slumbered — but soft for awaking 

On affection's charmed ear, its low murmur is breaking. 

It had told with a pathos so truly its own, 

The joys of a kindred harp's unison tone ; 

From its chords had hevotion's pure anthem ascended. 

And grandeur and feeling sublimely had blended. 

Throughout the wide regions of earth and of air, 

From aught was magnificent, lovely or rare, 

The bright forms of beauty had come at its call, 

Till Fancy's rich mantle emblazoned them all. 

The forest's plumed king in the pride of his power, 

The gay little "spirits" that hum round the bower — 

From earth came the loveliest Flora could bring, 

Array'd in the fragrance and freshness of Spring. 

Or turned to themes, moral, ennobling, and high, 

Its tones, with the tones of the purest might vie, 

As with feeling benevolent, social and dear, 

It hail'd with rich peans the birth of a year, 

in shades then no more shall it slumber inglorious — 

Awake ! over "darkness" and "silence" victorious.— 

The kindred harp, long that has chastened thy strain, 

Shrd! yet sound with its own native clearness again ; 



11 THE TRIPLE WREATH, 

(J'er its languishing strings shall the breeze of health pbjr 
And its chords all untuned yet exalt in her sway. 
Oh, long Tfius may kindly your harmonies chime, 
And but "truer and firmer" be rendered by time= 
And long thus in sweetness and tenderness vie. 
Till new-5trung in the mansions of Gbry on flight 



TEE TRIPLE WREATH. 15 



THE HARP. 



'^^ The human heart is a Harp of many string s.'^'^ 

Yes, — I sought for this Harp in the joy of my youth, 
With feeling's fine chords, true to friendship attun'd : 

A Heaven-strung instrument, beaming with truth, 
In a bosom with emblems of kindness illum'd. 

On life's airy summit, I fear'd there were blending, 
The blasts of the nor\h with the zephyrs of spring, 

And the torrent's loud roar, from its brow when descending, 
Might sweep with hoarse discord its delicate string. 

Through the calm, verdant valley, my search was directed, 
To find out a note, would be echoed by mine. 

The mellow chords touched ; by pure feeling reflected ;— 
My rapt heart would hail it, a blessing Divine. 

Nor was my search vain ; in the green vale I found it. 
With kindness' and taste's sweetly magical tone ; 

The virtues all blooming resplendent around it, 
Delighted and happy, I called it my own. 

In the cottage of peace— roses near it were blushing, 
And the fair virgin lily there reared up its stem ; 

The sweet wreathing woodbine was gaily in flushing,-^ 
And the freshness of morning surrounded mv gc-ra. 



16 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Years glided along, and no dissonant murmur, 

E'er marr'd one enjoyment which life could bestow; 
I^Iy heart beat to time, with joy truer and firmer, 

While the harmony soothed every pang found below- 
Then I knelt and adored the sure Fountain of blessing. 

Who filled up my cup of earth's bliss to the brim ; 
For the unalloy'd gift so endeared by possessing, 

A MUTUAL oBLATios, ascended to Hisi. 



Now in AGE, it retains all its tender emotion, 
Nor feels aught of chill from Time's frosty caress , 

To friendship and love owns the truest devotion, 
Though the sun of its youth far declines to the west. 

Oh ! when it must set — if I'm doomed to survive it. 
No more will I hail the glad morning of spring ; 

The dregs of existence I then shall arrive at, 

This bosam of mine will have tuned its last stnng. 



THE TnlPLE WREATH. 



TO ELIZA DUNLAP. 

Though Time has laid his claims on me — 
(And Fancy bows to his decree) 
Has stolen my auburn crown away, 
And left one, striped, with silver grey ; 
Exacted much of youthful ease, 
And barely left the wish to please ; 
I meet thy Album's spotless page, 
Despite of dullness, chills of age, 
Vv'ith cheerful, but with sober glee. 
To dedicate an hour to th«e. 
Thanks to the little home-bred cause 
Which links our hearts in friendship's laws- 
A Grandson placed within your care, 
Found Mother, Sisters, — all were there ; 
Nor wanted aught they could bestow, 
For kindness bloomed on every brow — ■ 
He grateful swells the voice of praise, 
The dictates of his heart obeys. 
Thy worthy sire for years I knew — 
I knew him, and I loved him too ; 
A.nd doubt if greater moral worth, 
Warmed any bosom upon earth. 
Firm, dignified, sincere, and grave, 
Above all follies which enslave 
Temperate observant of his word 
lusticeto ALL, bis acts accord. 



W THE TRIPLE WREATH, 

We met in various paths of life, 

Where jtammon had engendered strife; 

Appeas'd its warmth by mild design, 

Or judgment laid upon the line; 

And true to reason's promptings ever, 

The truth he would abandon never ; 

Thus passed his life on Wisdom's plan, 

A conscientious, upright man. — 

His FAMILY, I knew them not, 

Yet will they not be soon forgot, 

For kindness will devoid of art, 

Soon win its way to every heart ; 

Its fruit is gratitude and love, 

When watered from the Fount above. — 

With aid of Christian telescope, 

We too, have found a ray of hope; 

In Bethlehem's glorious star rejoice, 

And trust with humble soul and voice, 

That meet we may by Heaven's commands 

Within that "house not made with hands.'" 



T^HE TRIPLE WHEATE, 19 



EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO HARRIET A. 

FOULKE— ON HER MARRIAGE. 

Now the long dreary winter's past, 

The Spring's soft voice has "hush'd the blast ;" 

And lo ! the singing birds have come, 

The turtle now has found his home, 

Calls to his side his absent Dove, 

And soothes the cares of life with love. — 

8i3e joyous rise the spring-tide flowers. 

Bespangling all our woods and bowers ; 

And he who erst in simple strain 

Tuned bis wild reed, — now tunes again. 

Rich fragrance now at morn and e^en, 

Is breathed upon the winds of Heaven. 

The sweet-briar, and wild woodbine gay 

Are laughing in the lap of May ; 

Soon the warm sun of bright eyed June, 

feball bid the fragrant rose tree bloom — 

Bee the sweet bud, her damask child 

Has ope'd its emerald robe and smiled. 

Wild flowers of every varied hue, 

Lobelia scarlet, violet blue, 

O'er fields and meadows sprinkle charms, 

And feed the honey-loving swarms — 

If man ungrateful heeds them not 

I marlj him as creation's bjc.t. 



20 THE TRIPLE WREATHi 

Had r the gift of Patriarch old 

When he would bless his children all, 
I'd sjy as he to Joseph told — 

Your branches now "run o'er the wall." 
JS'o such prophetic power I boast, 

rVo skill the future to foresee, 
A< he, the Sire of Israel's host 

Foretold his off-spring's jubilee. 
Bat you shall have my wishes, prayers, 

In friendship's. warm and brightened glow, 
That in your path no wasting cares. 

May chill the spirit's genial glow. 

iSurrounded by congenial worth, 
Your relatives by kindred birth. 
You may be happy, if the hand 
Which with rich blessings strews our land, 
►Shall yet dispense such good to you, 
As seems to friendship's eye your due. 
If otherwise — that good should roam 
Nor deign to bless your peaceful home ; 
Or your petitions when addressed 
Returning empty to your breast 
Seem trials sent by adverse skies — 
(They mat prove blessings in disguise) — 
When next you shall address the Throne—-. 
Oh ! humbly say— -^^Thy will be done." 



THE TRIM.E WREATH. 21 



TO SUSAN WILSON. 

Thanks gentle one ; — long since I. owed 
Acknowledgements, for kind regard 

And desk so tastefully endowed — 
Claiming due homage from the bard. 

Weil a fair minstrel understands 
\yith winning gift to charm a poet ; 

Not gold nor silver, house nor lands — 
A pleasing keepsaxe best may show it 



An inkstand fair as India boasts, 
From young Columbia's art deriven, 

With elegance and taste embossed 
And all the grace of kindness given. 

And pens, with skilful neatness made 
That MAT perchance write poesy ; 

Yet, though from wing of Swan they stray'd, 
Their music might be lost with me. 

But THOU — dear votress of the Nine, 
Can'st touch with magnet of the muse, 

And to those graceful plumes of thine 
The magic power of Song transfusso 



22 THE TEIPLE WREATH. 

THE WISE MEN OF THE EAST INQUIEING FOR 
THE BAVIOUR. 

Have you seen, fellow pilgrims, the star in the East ? 

From the land of Judea heard glorious news 1 j 

AlK>ve the horizon the light has increased, 

Where a halo surrounds the young King of the Jews. 

A Prince, of a Throne, in a world uxirKE this, 
Where the Ancient of days hath primeval abode — 

In a region foreshown us of unalloyed bliss, 

The home of pure spirits, the humble and good. 

Omnipotent Love ! all our hearts hath combined, 
To seek out this Babe, and to worship him there ; 

With holy believers our faith is now join'd — 

W^e have gold, myrrh and frankincense, gifts for the Heir. 

Lo ! at yon crowded Inn in a manger is laid, 

The Prince whom you seek, the Redeemer of man ; 

He, blest Mediator and Saviour was made, 

Ere the merciful Father, earth's glories began. 

Thfl gift of your love ia now all He requires I 

More precious than spices or gems of the ocean ; 

The sacrificed will, unpolluted desires, 

The heart's deep oontrilioa, amd humble devotiott. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 2S 



EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO SAMUEL 

BLACKFAN. 

Tru9 friendship's lore my humble muse shall guide, 

Tlnskili'd to praise, in flattery untried ; 

Not prone to censure, with a caustic art. 

To wound the finer feelings of the heart; 

5She waves no plume to dictate to thy mind, 

Wnere tlioashalt peace, or where instruction find. — 

I as a brother kindly would portray, 

My views and prospects of the Heavenly way. — 

Thou'st taken His bounty who bade wars to cease, 

And raiseJ the standard of the Prince of Peace; 

To serve his cause, embraced His holy plan, 

Commenced ambassador from God to man. 

Hi^h duties now, thy humbled raind engage, 

Christ's soldier's hkee no carnal warfare wage; 

Serve him through time, who erst engaged thy youth, 

And mind the stepping stones fro.m truth to truth. 

Let not thy mind by wild delusion driven, 

Explore the by-paths for the road to Heaven ; 

Nor blindly follow dark tradition's way, — 

Ask for the ptlxar's light, the cloud by day; 

This guide tiien follow for the prize, the mark, 

Nor with false fire e'er mix tlie sacred spark , 

To creeds and systems, math's work, doubting standj, 

But mind tlie paintings of the Holy Hasd* 



24 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Trust not the "Lo heres," or "Lo theres," we find, 

Meee iNifOYATiojT, blindly leads the blind. — 

Study the Scriptures, oft their truths distil, 

And oftner yet, the volume of His will. 

Nor let imagination vainly stray, 

O'er barren heaths, nor e'en the flowery way ; 

But low and humble keep the truth still near, 

With thoughtful reverence, and holy fear ; 

Approach the throne of Majesty on high, 

For bread to live, for precepts how to die. 

So shalt thou find of joy a rich increase, 

Thy full reward be harmony and peace. 

Think me not vain my brother, I who know. 

But general outlines of the path I show ; 

The narrow way but dimly I discern. 

And much of truth thy friend has yet to learn, 

Sometimes I think I see a twinkling ray» 

A star that warns me of approaching day ; 

But oft benighted in my path I roam, 

In vainly seeking for the promised home. 

May'stthou, Truth guiding in thy race begun, 

Joy in the beams of a meridian sun ; 

la humble thankfulness thy will resign, 

Fill np thy duties in His grand design ; 

Court not the applause of men, seek self to know, 

Let His will govern all thy path below ; 

And when from this dark spot of earth thou'rt gone, 

May'st thou the joyful plaudit hear *' Well Done." 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 25 



TO THE BEES AT ELM GROVE. 

You've changed your Lord, you busy ones. 
And you must mind your p's and q's ; 

Your master loves no kind of DROifEs 
But fairly asks his claims and dues. 

No tyrant he, that when you store 

Your treasure-house with liquid sweets. 

Will suffocating vapors pour, 
In dreadful fumes along your streets. 

But will provide a sidelong cell, 
To stow away your surplus spoil ; 

Divide v;hen Autumn's frosts assail, 
With you the products of your toil. 

And SHE, who with the kindest views. 
Oft' visits your industrious hive — • 

'Tis but to learn the floral news, 
And if your Queen is still alive* 



But mind me, if you dare to sting, 
A friend so gentle, kind, and true ; 

A fearful doom is on the wing — 
Then — fire and brimstone are for yon. 



THfi TRIPLE WREATH. 



to maHtha beans. 

Launch'J on life's tide in early youth, 
Thy little bark with prudence steer 

To the safe haven — Heavenly truth ; 

Then storms and wreck thou need'st not fearv 

The artificial magnet may 

Misguide the wanderer in his path; 

The pole-star never led astray — 
Oh ! watch it with the eye of faith. 

The lofty mast, the aspiring tower, 
The storms of life may lay them low. 

While the sweet modest humble flower, 
Blooms safely in the vale below. 

The peaceful mind, th6 conquered will, 
The cheerful hope, when truth presides-* 

These are our purest treasures still, 
And worth all other good beside. 

Possessing these, life's gentle gales, 

Shall waft thee on — thy joys increase ; 
The breath of Heaven will swell the sails 
And 4and thee in the port of peace. 



tSft T^iPL^ wffSAtm 57 



ON RfiCEIVlN'G A WILD ROSE, 

iVelcome thouMovely native flower, 

ttow simply elegant thy dress! 
Rejoicing iii thy dewy hour, 

The early husband man to bless. 

Enough to thee of beauty given, 
To win the conscious eye of taste ; 

Enough of sweets, the boon of HeaveOj 
With fragrance to enrich the waste. 

Nature's meek, unpretending child, 

Retiring fronj the public eye ; 
Kor favor courts, e'en from the wild, 

But in its shades to bloom and die. 

There nurtured by no maiden's hand, 
Around her splendid hall to bloom ; 

Or in tlie border gaily stand. 

For praise to exchange thy best perfume? 

But like some modest rural maid- 
No foreign ornaments her boast 5 

In native loveliness arrayed — 

" When unadorned, adorned the most." 



^8 THE TRIPLE WHEATB. 



TO THE MEMORY OF ESTHER LONGSTRETH. 

The bands are now broken that bound thee to earth, 
And the realms are unveil'd that receive the new birth; 
And the wing of a seraph to thee has been given, 
To waft thee on, hopeful and joyful to Heaven. 
How many were dear at the home thou hast left — 
A Father in age of a daughter bereft, 
And friends who were bound in the tenderest ties, 
Whose love would have hoiden thee long from the skies : 
Thy love for those friends was as dew to the flowers, 
Expanding theii fragrance, and sweet'ning the hours — 
Thine own are the promises made to the just — 
The decree has been issued of " dust unto dust " — 
He who call'd from on high in the morn of thy youth, 
Saw thy spirit would list to the voice of His Truth ; 
With affections sublimed by a fervent devotion, 
Obedience — was joy — was a holy emotion. 
To mourn is humanity's lot while on earth — 
Thus the terms of existence were sealed at our birth : 
Yet the goodness which form'd us benignly hath will'd, 
That with Him, every hope of enjoyment be fill'd. 
Now the fount of fruition is opened above. 
Where thy joys are Eternal in Heavenly love ; 
And the sun-gilded blessings of Time, that ahe set, 
"Were viewed at departing without a regret ; 



THE THIPLE WREATH. 29 

While the glories that rise in thy brighter abode, 
Are with rapture beheld, as in mercy bestow'd, 
In the fullness of bliss thou art there to receive 
Those lov'd ones of earth, for thy absence who grieve 
With welcome to hail their acceptance above 
Immortal in happiness, virtue and love» 



3i> THE TRIPLE V\ REATM' 



THE BANKING RATS 

A FABLE. 

Ilsop ill fabled strain has written' 
€)f tortoise by an eagle smitten, 
Who sought in matrimonial tie. 
To match a daughter of the sky — 
And quadrupeds and reptiles join'd 
In social plans, their joys combin'd ; 
The Lion, Fox, the Dog, the Hen. 
t*^eemed more than half as wise as men- 
Bjt the poor Rat, none recollect 
A poet treating wiih respect. 
Yet none I hope will sneer and prate 
If I step forth his advocate. 
In days gone by they held a meeting 
To lay by a good store for eating. 
For all so verx wise were grown 
They'd have a granary of their ov*n j 
And not be 'bliged to starve, or steal 
From barn or mill a scanty meal. 

Then invitation wide was given. 
To bring in stores for future living/ 
While some with labor excavated 
A vault to stow away as stated — 
And now from every quarter came 



tHE TRIPLE W&EATtt. 31 

The old, the young, the wild, the tame, 

Each loaded with well earned supply 

In corn husks bagg'd, and piled it by ; 

And added daily to their store, 

As chance occurred of getting more. — • 

Industrious, faithful to the trust — 

And honest — thinking as they must, 

When Providence full barns had given 

That Rats might hate a sumptuous living. 

Now over all this stream of treasure, 

Which swiftly flowed in without measure, 

By night, by day, from morn till even^- 

And scarce forbore one day in seven; 

Some wise, demure, sagacious rat, 

Who difference knew 'twixt this and that. 

In future, to prevent confusion 

Should have the care of distribution ; 

And have a friend, a learned teller, 

To be the safeguard of the cellar ; 

When any came to get supply, 

To notch a stick, for reason why — 

And further, to prevent disputes, 

They chose some half a dozen muteS 

To look about, but nothing say, 

And let things go on their own way^ 

And THINGS "WENT ON, SO smooth and quiet— 

The prospect fair — no noise, no riot — 

The brotherhood began to say. 

Affairs were in a prosperous way. 

As time thus briskly pass'd along — 

The youthful rats — no longer young — 



32 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

The crafty master of the stock 
Worked a sly passage through the rock, 
And by a back stairs op'd a way, 
The surplus treasures to convey. 
As fast as worthy friends were stowing, 
He let it out, and kept it going ; 
The HONEST sire they left to watch it, 
Advised the Teller not to notch it — 
'• For when none know the exact amount, 
'Tis useless sure to keep the account. 
We'll loan it out among our friends, 
What we don't want for private ends — 
Though I have need of all this store 
And for that matter, as much more — 
We need not hoard it like the miser. 
The company'Il be none the wiser, 
And if success shall crown my labor, 
I'll give them by especial favor. 
When I have done with using of it — 
To them and heirs refusal of it." 
But soon the bubble burst, and then 
They made long faces like us men, 
A.nd scolded hard, and even swore, 
He'd robbed and filched away their store. 
But he, with brazen front and crest 
Counted upon an empty chest, 
And when their rage was somewhat spent, 
*' Harrangued them thus right eloquent : " 

"Now hear me brethren — though Fve used 
Your stores, your confidence abused, 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 33 

And other rats have been the users — 
Yet you shall never be the losers, 
The stores you trusted me to tend, 
A.re laid out wisely by your friend, 
And are secure — forbear to doubt him, 
Nor thus with angry language flout him. 
Fve fifty barns, and mills, and more, 
From whence I can recruit your store — 
You're all my friends — your plans I've laid — 
On all occasions lent you aid — 
Enriched your hopes by adding to them — 
Unlikely then I should undo them. 
You soon will want a Lord Protector, 
Choose me again your chief Director; 
I speedily can fill your coffers — 
Accept these advantageous offers." 



The whole assembly squeal'd amen ! 
Set up their snouts and tails again ! 
He e'en convinced the knowing brood. 
That empty vaults were quite as good 
As full ones were — kxcept for eating 
And that would seldom want repeating. 
The whiskered, purblind, ruined donors. 
Again conferred the highest honors ; . 
Bat learned too late their plundered store 
Bemained as e'lipty as before. — 

Then rose a sachem grey with age — 
Hair-breadth escapes had made him sage- 



34 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

He wiped his whiskers, — briefly said 
And sighed — our latest hopes are fled. 
Ne'er trust acain a swindling banker, 
You'll find his promises a canker; 
The farmers safely kept our store — 
Be THEY our bankers as before* 



THE TRIFLE WREATH. .35 



THE HARP OF THE XORTH. 

'Harp of the North ! so softly throwing, 
Thy plaintive noies en gales of even. 

The zephyr's breath is gently blowing, 
Its symphony to bowels cf Eden. 

Sach sympathetic tone moves on, 
Laden with Afric's heavy woes — 

The feeling sigh had upward gone 
When hope in minstrel guise arose. 

Hark! — Whittier sweeps the mournful strings^ 
When Freedom's sons are called evvay .• 

Then as they soar on Angel wings, 
V/ith holy fervor swells the lay. 

Gone to their Heavenly Father's rest, 
A constellation bright and glorious ; 

While blessing — rose among the blest. 
In meekness, worth, and seal victorious. 

Blanchard, thy wii J, electric iyre. 

Can sway the heart and mind, at will^ 

Tbou breath'st, and fancy's echoing wire, 
Bids-^ll eur. wayward. thoughts be stiii 



36 THE TRIPLE WRKATHi 

Children of Penn will hail that voice, 
With raptur'd ear will listen round ; 

While Freedom's thrilling nerves rejoice^, 
x\nd ail our "iron-bound hills" resound'. 



And B,irRL£i,GH, with a soul of fire, 
Flashes conviction on the throng ; 

While feeling hearts with joy aspire, 
To G:rcet the masic of his tongue; 



His prompt, soul-stirring eloquence, 
Kindles his hearers' ardent zeal ; 

Unfolds convincing evidence, 
Success will crown our common weal- 



Adams, unmoved amid the storm. 

Of dark, unholy, party rage ; 
His country's Egis on his arm, 

He binds, corruption to engage. 

That sceptered arm, once freedom's choicev 
Withstands our empire's downward cours«v 

Brings honor, justice, soul and voice, 
To stay wide desolation's force. 

AnJ faithful Ritnek, leads a band. 

Above all southern slaveites moving. 
Disdains to quail to mortal hand — 

The hosts cf Sreedom ail appro'iiaS;. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Such champions in the noblest cause, 
Clear all our doubts, dispel our fears ; 

Mellow to mercy human laws, 
And tune the music of the spheres. 

These Borealis lights are ours, 

Bright gleaming through the polar sky; 
The rich glow of ethereal powers, 

Blazons their names immortally. 

And Pennsylvania's sister band, 
While mourning Ethiopia's woe, 

Shall aid the patriots of our land, 
This mass of guilt to overthrow. 



S8 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



TO THE MEMORY OF CAROLINE CORSON, OF 

NEWHOPE, PA. 

Ascended to him who life's boon had bestowed, 
Having drank of the fountain from Heaven that flow'd 
A.nd pure was the stream she knelt lowly to sip, 
It whispered salvation, and rose to her lip. 

in the bowers of Eden, her joys are in bloom, 
The LOVELY, has triumphed o'er death and the tomb ; 
'.Vtid her virtues soft fragrance ascended on high, 
O'er the mourners of earth looking down with a sigh. 

Why weep that she left our pavilion of care, 
When sorrow and anguish are tenanted here ; 
Why weep for the happy in regions of bliss, 
Kather mourn lor your friends yet abiding in this. 

"Though here the decree of decay is reversed, 
And the child who should follow has faded the first;" 
Yet tlie ripening for Heaven to no age is confined — 
But to pureness, and sweetness, and richness of mind. 

Of such, are the saints in the bright realms of love, 
Wao are oft soDnest called to the glories above : 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 39 

Their circle on earth left in tears to deplore. 
That here we behold their example no morCo 

Yet when her fair spirit its counsel bestowed, 
It expanded fresh blossoms of mind where it flowed ; 
In aid of the truths which beat wisdom had given, 
And allured by the promise and precept of Heaven. 

The dre^id King of terrors, the shroud and the tomb, 
Waked no fears in her bosom, or sorrow or gloom; 
To a soul thus refined, the world seemed but as dross. 
And her spirit was cheered by embracing the cross. 

Omnipotence called, she was prompt to obey 
And HEKE but inherits a dwelling of clay ; 
But immortal in splendor to her has been given, 
In lieu ofearth's blessings, a mansion ia Heaven. 



40 THE TRIPLE WREATH, 



LINES ON THE DEATH OF ELIZABETH L. 
PICKERING, OF FRANKFORD, PA. 

Another lov'd one meets the unerring stroke, 
With trusting faith, and words of holy cheer; — 

Waile the fond ties of yearning nature broke, 
Leave a sad group of anguished mourners here: 

Life wears a gloom survivors long must mourn. 

For joys departed — never to return. 

Sincere and artless — friendship's blooming bowers, 
Pour'd their rich tribute o'er -her feeling breast, 

And the lov'd scenes of life's endearing hours, 
With warm attachments, all her heart possess'd: 

Till fell disease — nor love, nor skill could save — 

Bore her fair form slow onward to the grave. 

The charms of nature, in calm beauty drest, 

And the sweet ties of home, at length gave way ; 

Her powers ennobled, higher \iews had blest — 
No cloud of sorrow dimm'd that holy day ; 

This world then pail'd upon her aching sight, 

Waen rose that hallow'd morn, and all was light. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 41 

A'Jieu ! dear saint, jtow at the Fountain pure, 

Wiiose heavenly murmurs cheer the ransom'd soul — 

Love — boundless love, in holy promise sure, 
Did in the " Book of Life" thy name enroll — 

While golden harps with grateful praise prolong, 

The symphony that swells the Seraphs' song. 



42 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO DEBORAH 

ERINGHURST. 

Advancing onward to life's feeble verge, 

Yet seek I not to pen a gloomy dirge, 

While recollection cheers the humble mind, 

With the rich blessings life has left behind; 

There they liice pearls in memory's casket shine — 

The joys I have possess'd, with grateful heart are mine. 

Pleas'd I have pass'd a few bright hours with thee. 

And deeply drank of social sympathy ; 

Much of the past recounted fondly o'er — 

Days sweetly blest — alas ! return no more. 

But calm content with thankful homage bows, 

For all the present of the future knows : 

Taught by the Father of all good, through faith 

How dear the blessings are, revealed by death — 

Not transitory like our planet's joys, 

Which a breath kindles and a breath destroys ; 

But full, immortal, will our blessings be, 

If Heaven be won— from mundane trials free. 

Yet we while oehe of earthly joys may sing — 

True friendship blooms not oxlt in life's spring ; 

Though all we loved, fond recollections bind — 

-Spring's earliest flowers — the snow drops of the mind. 



THE TRIPLE waE\TH. 4^ 

Aa we advance, a richer season glows — 

Bleaches the lily — flushes now the rose; 

The harvest waves its beauties to the sun, 

And thankful hearts will ov7n the gracious boon ; 

A steadier warmth expands, as reason's ray, 

O'er the calm bosom sheds its perfect day ; 

Friendships more firm with intellectual light, 

Beam on our path and keep affection bright. 

Those long detained on earth, ere being ends 

Too oft outlive their comforts and their friends.— « 

Not so with me — aflfection's kindly tie, 

I hope will leave me latest when I die. — 

Much have I seen to love, of mother earth, 

Enough to make me thankful for my birth ; — 

The pleasures of the heart, have been my pride — 

See fifty years my chasen by my side; 

From Eden's bowers the gift so valued, came. 

And friendship blossomed with a softer name ; 

Spread round my path a thousand pleasing huea. 

And every year the welcome bloom renews. — 

And thou, my friend, whose cultivated mind 

Draws from the friendly circles most refin'd 

All those choice blessings life can yet supply, 

Of mutual sympathy, and social joy ; 

When each to each with glad profusion pours. 

Treasures of mind to cheer the passing hours ; 

Rich intellectual stores received and given 

Enjoying all with gratitude to Heaven. — 

How I regret those hours that swiftly flew 

In thy society — regret how tew; — 



4\ THE TRIPLE WHEATH. 

In which imagination's playful art 

Entwin'd each thought with feelings of the heart.— 

May I not hope, ere life's fond hopes are o'er, 

Thou yet wilt see Lahasaka once more ; 

And in this crude essay my proofs I give, 

That I would fain in thy remembrance live. 



THB TRIPLE W&EATft. 4o 



TO LYDIA S. BALDERSTON. 

A poet rear'd a bank of flowers, 
With aged, and with feeble powera-*- 
Though neither gaudy, rich, nor rare, — 
One favorite plant enjoys his care. 

It is not splendid as the rose, 
Which round the rural mansion blows ; 
Not such its richly tinted leaves, 
Nor such the praises it receives. 

Its unpretending charms are given, 
A pleasing precious boon of Heaven ; 
Humility its modest braid, — 
It blooms in sunshine and in shade. 

It is a pure and smiling blossom, 

As ever graced a poet's bosom ; 

With joy receives each favor sent. 

And he has named the flower — cohttent. 



46 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



LINES ADDRESSED BY THE AUTHOR TO HIS 

WIFE, ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 

OF THEIR MARRIAGE. 

Now dearest, half a century 's past — 

We've reached our jubilee at last. 

Together past youth's joyous hours 

And found our path oft strewn with flowers ; 

Together firmly met some trials, 

And jointly made some self-denials ; 

For cares, afflictions, will betide — 

Yet we kept cheerful side by side. 

Our children ruled with steady hand, 

Scarce ever waited a command; 

And competence our wants supplied 

For prudent use, but not for pride — 

But youth has fled : my locks of age 

Are silvered in life's pilgrimage ; 

Though chill and grey, limbs feeble — o!i 

My heart to thee is never cold ; 

For thou for fifty years hast been 

My joy, my happiness, — my queen : 

And now life's lamp gives feeble light 

Affection makes the moments bright. 

Though oft disease with sombre glooiii 

Darkly has shadowed forth the tomb, 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 47 

Heaven heard the warm and heart-felt prayer — 

But still "Thy will be done," was there: 

Oft to the Throne we've had access — 

Heaven blest us — and delights to bless. 

'Tis now not far to that dark bourne 

From whence no travelers return ; 

Life's dovvn-hili path we'll still improve 

With every kindness taught by love ; 

We'll cheer it with remembrance strong — 

It may be rough, but can't be long. 

For past enjoyments — blessings given, 

We'll offer grateful thanks to Heaven : 

And when the power who gave life's boon 

Shall summon us to lay it down — 

With meek submission may we bow 

To meet the stroke that lays us low — 

Through Heaven's all gracious power confessing 

To the aged Christian — death's a blessing. 



4S THE TRIPLE WHEATS. 



THE MOLE AND OTHER ANIMALS IN COUNCIl: 

A FABLEo 

A mole puffeJ up with self-conceif, 
Though neither qirick of sight nor wiJj 
Hearing a council would be held 
Of quadrupeds in neighboring field, 
Hasten'd to teach the vulgar beasts 
Concerning their true interests. 
Then rais'd a little swelling nicUnd, 
Yroin whence his counsels to' propound^ 
femooth'd well his band and surplice down^ 
Over his mole-skin sable gown ; 
Call'd to his brethren of the laity—* 
" In multitude of counsel's safety — 
I come my fervent zeal exciting 
6n anxious duty puobelyting ; 
And first of sight — I would advise 
You put out, or blindfold your eyes f 
Yoa mu§t have found from long experienc® 
They are a real inconvenience : 
Barrow in earth by my example-*- 
Vou'll want no eyes in such a temple. 
I've lived without a length of years 
Wiih scarce a foe to waKe my fears ; 
Wiieieasall you, thus cursed with sight 
Are eve; found in chase or flight — 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 49 

-Valure proviJes what food we want 
j\ear home, and by a liberal grant; 
And had she formed you without eyes, 
You'd have an earthly paradise: 
Although in sight you may abound 
You must purvey the country round — 
The farmers ever on the watch, 
Your roving plunderers to catch — 
And all your evils, fear or flight, 
Proceed from having too much light. 



A Lyxx with open ears and eye« 
Provoked at such absurdities, 
Before the orator had done 
Called out indignantly — begone 
And delve in darkness poor blind elf. 
To suit your own conceited self; 
Know, children of the day, have found 
The LIGHT a blessing above ground. 

MORAL. 

Beware— lest rashly you decide, 

For oihers — what should rule and guhle. 



50 THE TRIPLE WREATH, 



AiV ASPIRATION OF PRAISE TO THE CREATOR 



O thou ! who on the waters moved, 
Ere light her radiant wing unfarl'd ; 

Wiien day first heard thy voice belov'd, 
And darkness fled behind the world; 



On us, O let thy mercies shine; 

On us, thy light, thy grace descend — 
Awake our souls with beams of thine, 

To feel thou art the sinner's friend. 

At thy dread touch the mountains smoke^. 

The hills all tremble at thy voice; 
But when in mercy thou hast spoke, 

■•• The fountains of the deep " rejoice, 

Thau bidst the clouds thro' ether roam, 
And they obey thy voice with fear; 

Thou call'st the vivid lightnings home, 
And lo, they answer " Here we are ! " 

The dedicated soul can see 

All nature joys at thy commands; 

The forests bow in praise to Thee, 

The floods exulting <'clap their handsv" 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 51 

•Man, OTily man, ungrateful seen 

With anxious eye and brow of care; 
If humbly thankful, he had been 

Made "joyful in thy house of prayer." 

The heart's first fruit? then offered be. 
Not flocks and herds, nor oil and wine; 

<< Rivers of oil " belong to Thee — 

Flocks of a " thousand hills " are Thine. 

Thou Great Supreme ! how coW the praise, 
Fiom tongues which of the dust are made ! 

Let Seraph lips the anthem raise, 
Cherubic orisons be paid. 

Pour on our dark estate, Lord ! 

Thine orient rays of mental light ; 
iSelume our vision in thy word, 

Ari<l make us iri thy peace delights 



52 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



LINES ADDRESSED TO THE EAGLE 

ox SEEIJCQ A FAX MADE FROM THE PINI0X8 OP THS 
EOYAI BIKD. 

Thou bird of might, thou wing of power! 
Com'st thou from the realms of day ; 
Stoop'st thou from serial tower. 
These mortal relics to survey ! 

What makes these here ? 

What doom severe 1 
A bauble for the young and gay ! 

Perchance that daring 'v^'ing of thine. 
Has swept o'er Chimborazo's peak ; 
Or prowl'd for prey along the line 
Of clifTs, Niagara's torrents shake ; 

By trade a King, 

Thy trophies bring ; 
But slumbering vengeance yet may wake. 

Is war, is massacre thy traJe ? 
To rob the fold, unblenched by fear ; 
The infant's cradle rights invade ; 
Snatched from maternal love and care T 

Ah ! power and might 

Respect no right, 
When thev erect their crest for war^ 



THE TttlPLE WREATH. 5S 

Was't honor, that th}- myotic form 
Should lead the martial Victor's van ? 
And foremost in the maniac storm, 
To pour its wraih on suffering man ? 

Some foeman's hand, 

With reckless brand, 
Has shorn this trophy from thy clan. 



When Jesus rose from Jordon's wave, 
Did'sl thou upon the Saviour light '^ 
Or was't the Dove, the symbol gave 
Of innocence, pure emblem bright : 

Jehovah then, 

Proclaimed to men. 
In his blest warfare all may fight. 



Should nations who thy emblem boast. 
Adopt the Dove, like humble Penn ; 
The Olive Branch precede the host, 
Love — love would be their weapon then ; 

Thy plumes of war, 

Be scattered far, 
And peace would bless the sons of men. 



Then Eagle throw those barbs away ; 
Plume thy firm wing for distant fiight. 
To Afric's sable shores convey 
The Olive with true glory bright ; 



54 THE TRIPLE U'REATH. 

A brighter day 
Shail pour a ra)', 
And Afric's children see the light. 

This grateful ofHce then be thine, 
'i'he harbinger from peaceful sphere ; 
Justice and Mercy mark the line. 
And man will yd his criiiK^s forbear. 
Then Love shall reign, 
O'er Earth's broad plain, 
Xer Men, nor Eagles more shall war^ 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 55 



LINES ON THE DEATH OF DR. JOHN WILSON. 

ADDRESSED TO P. A. F., ON HER LEAVING ELM 
GROVE, HIS LATE RESIDENCE. 

Yes — fare thee well, the die is cast ; 

My views of life are dinim'd by gritf; 
We've sorrow'd deeply o'er the past, 

Let resignation yield relief. 

The friend, I hoped my eyes would close, 

And slowly yonder hill ascend; 
There see me laid in deep repose, 

Then drop a tear, and homeward wend ; 

Is gone before me — lowly laid 

Tiie mortal part, beneath t'le sod — 
To join the host of holy dead. 

In adoration of their God. 

Thus he, who on this mundane spot 

Has lingered long ; as life descends 
W^ill find his youthful hopes are not, 

And mourn the loss of early friends. 

Then fare thee well— I trust we'll meet, 

In a far brighter, happier sphere ; 
W''ith joy may there each other greet 

For hope will then fruition wear. 



56 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



THE RIVAL WREATHS, OR NATURE AND ART. 

When Israel's king the sceptre swayed, 
Renowned for wisdom's brightest gem, 

In oriental pomp arrayed, 
Beneath his splendid diadem. 

His deeds were blazoned far by fame, 

The graceful order of his throne, 
And the world's voice, with loud acclaim, 

Had told the wonders there were done. 

The Queen of Sheba's curious ear, 

Had learned his praise in distant lands ; 

And more to know, and more to hear, 
Had joined her suit with Jewish bands. 

W^hat splendor strikes her gazing sight ! 

What intellectual gems unfold ! 
Her mind, with rapturous delight, 

Confessed "the half had not been told." 



Here order reigned with skilful voice, 
O'er princely pageantry around ; 

All in the royal smiles rejoice, , 

And music lends its cheering sound. 



THE TRirLE WREAtff. &7 

The Queen "hard questions" would propound, 
To sound the depths of reason's spring ; 

"Wiih specious theories confound 

The well poised judgment of the King, 

Yet more, to try his vaiious powers, 

And prove his nice discerning eye, 
Collected from the roseate bowers, 

A garland tinged with every dye. 

The varied hues of grove and field, 

The flowrets of the gay parterre, 
Their fragrance and their beauty yield. 

To grace the august Presence here, 

There might be seen the rose^s bloom, 

With the fair liiy's charms to vie ; 
The woodbine gave its best perfume ; 

Tricola brought her Tyrian dye. 

And now, art's magic fingers wove 

A painted chaplet proudly gay, 
The emblem wreath, not vamly srru^ve, 

With Nature, in her rich -lisplav . 

One hand w?p <rrf*r.("\ with blooming sweel.8, 

J'n one che h'^la 'h-^, -^inic lioweis j- 
And sure her skillful taieni, gresi.^ 

The vision with no common povers. 

Then raised ilie rival \vt^-/Llh.s aud cried, 
" To wiiiuh Li'.r' i£,stelai ari he-^^r. given t 



58 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



Or which the glowing tints of Heaven 1" 

At distance from the throne she stood — 
Perplex'd was now his gifted mind ; 

Vv'hat though the visual ray was good, 
Discrimination's eye was blind. 

He who with fancy's finest pen. 

Nature's arcana blazon'd all ; 
From cedars in the forest glen, 

To hyssop on the garden wall. 

The mournful Rabbins' downcast eye, 
Confessed their monarch's wisdom foil'd 

But gloomy fears were turned to joy. 
And back their fleeting hopes recoil'd. 

The bees had early missed the sweets 
Abducted from the odr'ous bowers; 

Pursued them swift to their retreats, 
To win again the truant flowers. 

The king perceives the anxious throng, 
About the casement murmuring round, 

Darts his quick eye the swarm among — 
The o!>ject of their search is foand. 

" Throw wide the lattice, — give ns air :'" 
Instant the mandate was obey'd ; 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 59 

In rusheJ the insects round the fair, 
Their nectared taste with joy display 'd. 

The toils of art no favor drew ; 

Nice judging instinct soon proclaimed. 
They honied manna had in view, 

From Nature, not from Art obtained. 

The Queen, astonished, felt the power 

Of mind o'er sense, discovered here ; 
The court their gratulations pour — 

Their Sovereign's judgment's nEN-DEunn ciear. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



THE HUMMING BIRD, 

Hail ! little spirit of the bower, 
Fluttering round on magic wing ; 

Atiendant on each perfumed flower. 
That gems the emerald robe of Spring. 

"Who sees thy path 1 thyself scarce seen, 
JNow here, now there thy fairy form ; 

Those beauteous tints perchance have been, 
Stolen from the rainbow after storm. 

Sip from the fragrant jasmine now. 
Or graceful woodbine's deeper cup ; 

Sport on the rose's verdant bough, 
Or with the lowly violet sup. 

Thus when the orient source of day, 
With purple rays repaints thy plumes; 

'Alongst rival svi^eets delighted stray, 
'Till evening's guunig g\Oiy toa.ss. 

Mav's l/inshing morn will pass away : 
'liien g earn among our sumaiei oowers , 

And frooi will aardiy uaie to iu^, 
His cold hand on such cherished flowers. 



'THE TRIPLE WREATH. 6l 

Ah! Boreas from the icy north, 

V/ith Flora's train may ill agree ; 
Cold flakes and frost come blustering forth, 

And winter has no charms for thee. 

Could'st thou to blooming Mira go, 

Say fiowers of Earth will fade anon ; 
Yet buds of paradise will blow, 

When those of oar dull clime are gone. 

No blights deform, no cankers prey, 

On the immortal blossom fair ; 
If Heaven such beauty here display. 

What mav the humble hope for tbere ! 

May thou and I, ere winter come, 
Know where to rest our weary wing; 

Thou ask'st a traxsiext flowery home, 
I covet an etibnal spring. 



62 THE TRIPLE WREATH* 



LINES WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM. 

Lady, I THtJs meet thy request, 
Else, should I not have deemed it best, 
To scrihble on this spotless page, 
With the weak, trembling pen of age. 
IVe written in Time's Album long, 
Sketches of life with moral song ; 
Blotted in haste lull many a leaf, 
Whose list of beauties might be brief 
Could I some pleasing views kow glean, 
'Twould make at best a winter scene; 
On the BLEAK side of seventy years, 
How sear the foliage appears ; 
And frost-nipt flowers we strive in vain 
By culture to revive again ; 
The snows of time my temples strew, 
Warning to bid the muse adieu. 



t'HE TRIPLE WREATH. 63 



THE YOUNG LADY TO HER ALBUM. 

'Tis not the gilded edge I ween, 

Or cover rich by fancy wrought ; 
But the kind thoughts which lie between, 

That make a dear " forget me not." 

My eye first meets the pensive Vine, 
Trac'd by a hand to friendship true ; 

And feeling consecrates it mine — 
A SACKED, LONG, and LAST adieu. 

Nor needed is the '•' letter'd stone," 
Nor name upon the «' storied tree," 

Long, long to make his virtues known, 
Or wake remembrance dear to me. 

And HERE the days of early youth, 

Before my raptured view array "d ; 
Recall loved scenes of peace and truth, 

By friendship's glowing pen portray'd. 

Affection's free unvarnish'd tale, 

Pure, warm, sincere, has graced this page, 
Which I reciprocating hail. 

Each tender wish, and kind pre&age. 



64^ THE TRIPLE WREATSfl 

And THERE an elder sister tlirew, 

Those moral tints that form the mind ^ ' 

She held fair virtue op to view, 

With every winr>ing charm combinecJ. 

Stili farther on, refiectrn* age, 

With trembling hand impress'd the line ; 
Bade Heavenly hopes my heart engage, — 

His blessing, and his prayers were naine. 

This, from a friend who grew estranged. 
And " friendship took a colder form ;" 

When all the glow of kindness changed, 
Its ashes fill'd an early urn^ 

/pt shall not memory prompt the sigh, 
Tho' some bright cherish'd dreams depaitj, 
Vhile nature's beauties charm my eye; 
\nd friendship's pleasures warm my heart* 



"THE TRIPLE WREATH. 65 



■LINES ON A SLEEPING CHILD. 

BY FANNY KEMBLE. 

•5h'! chilJ, that to ihis evil world art come, 

Led by the unseen hand of Kim who guarus thee. 

Welcome into this dungeon house, thy home, 
Welcome to all the woe this life affords thee. 

Upon thy forehead yet, the badge of sin 

Hath worn no trace, thcu look'st as though from Heaven 
But pain, and guilt, and misery lie within : 

Poor exile! from thy happy birthland driven. 

Thine eyes are seal'd by the soft hand of sleep, 
A.Hd like uiirippled waves thy slumber seems; 

The time 's at hand when thou must wake to weep, 
Or sleeping walk a restless world of dreams. 

How oft, as day by day life's burthen lies 

Heavier and darker on thy fainting soul, 
W'ilt thou towards Heaven turn thy weary eyes, 

And long in bitterness to reach the goal. 

How oft wilt thou upon time's dreary road, 

Gaze at thy early, far off days, in vain ; 
Weeping how olt wilt thou cast down thy load, 

And curee, and pray, then take.it up again. 



66 THE TRIPLE WREATK* 

How many times shall hope, the fiend, extend 
Her poison'd chalice to thy thirsty lips; 

How oft shall love its withering sunshine lend,. 
To leave thee only a more dense eclipse. 

Mow oft shall sorrow strain thee in her grasp, 
How oft shall sin laugh at thine overthrow ;, 

How oft shall doubt, despair, and anguish clasp 
Their knotted arms around thy aching brow. 

Oh bird of light ! hail to thy narrow cage ! 

Oh living soul ! hail to thy gloomy cave ! 
Welcome to longing youth, to loathing age,.. 

Welcome immortal to thy living grav,e!. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 67 



PARODY ON THE FOREGOING VERSES. 

Welcome fair stranger, to the gladsome meetings 
Of hope, and joy, and love, this earth affords the6 ; 

Welcome to this good world of social greetings, 
Led by the unseen hand of him who guards thee. 

Upon thy forehead yet, no badge of sin 

Hath worn a trace, ihou look'st as fresh from Heaven ; 
While ail is peace and innocence within, 

No exile thou, from happy birth-land driven. 

Thine eyes are sealed by the soft hand of sleep 
And like the peaceful wave thy slu^mber seems ;• 

Be distant far the day thou 'it wake to weep, 
Qr sleeping, walk a restless world of dreams. 

How oft, as day by day,- life's burthen lies. 

Heavier and darker on the g0Iltt soul. 
Wilt THOU towards Heaven turn thy joyful eves, 

And leara to prize it as life's happy goal. 

How oft may'st thou, upon time's flowery road. 
See prospects, which to realize were vain ; 

Feel life's afflictions an oppressive load, 
Yiil no weakr mu^rm-w^ingd thy lips profane. 



6S THE TRZPLr wreath:. 

How many times shall hope, thy friend, estcEd, 
Her cheering chalice to thy thirsty lips ; 

And love his happiest, holiest influence lend — 
O'er false allurements throw a dense eclipse. 

Though sorrow oft should fold thee in her grasp. 
Yet ne'er may sin laugh at thine overthrow, 

Xor evil doubts, nor blank despair enclasp 
Their knotted arras around thy aching brow. 

Bird, form'd for bliss! this earth's a narrow cage,. 
Too frail to hold immortals in the tomb ; 

Yet Heaven will guide thee to a nobler stage, 
And angels welcome to thy final home. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 69 



THE THUMB. 

When we take a calm view of the boon of existence^ 
How wonderful man U, "and fearfully made ;"' 

Svery limb jives its aid in procuring subsistence, 
As nature's and reason's commands are obey'd. 

That elegant organ, the eye, is displaying 

lis marvels in beauty, with ust'fuluess jain'd .; 

The ear's mechanism, too, sweetly conveying 
All nature's soft melodies into the mind. 

To man, but in common with animal natures, 
These crgans of sense have been liborally given; 

But to him, over all the inferior creature?--, 

There is one puny limb, makes him lord under Heaven. 

'Tis the Thu>ib, by philosophers seldom been noted ; 

By our poets and minstrels has never been sung ; 
Essential to all, but to silence devoted, 

Cnprais'd and unnoticed by pen or the tongue. 

When from Paradise t'rivcn, the world was befora him, 
A wiidcrnpss, rude every mountain and plain ; 

But this little member to hope could restore him, 

The woodlands soon golden were, waving with graij;^. 



TO THE TRIPLE WREATHl 

The oarth to subJue, was the task then assigned himv 
Dominion and rule o'er the beasts of the field; 

But the THUMB, human energies all are combined ic^ 
And tlie lion and tiger submission must yield. 

Had man lack'd but this, this priceless addition, 

His race had been long since extinguished and gone ; 

Or savage remained here, in sullen submission, 
And social relations unsought and unknown. 

I*f soil had been till'd, and no beast of the forest 
Respected or own'd the dominion of man ; 

With evils oppress'd and afflictions the sorest; 
By the Lord of the Universe placed under ban. 

Had the thumb never been, not a fish from the ocean 
Had been drawn, nor a tree in the forest been feL'd; 

No ship on the waves, nor on land locomoiiun, 
With thrice his- keen intellect, man had beheld. 

No arts, and no commerce, all science been sleeping; 

IS'o harp sweetly warbling its notes to the wild; 
And THu.MBLK^s, blank nature in solitude weeping 

That AiiT had not e'er on her loneliness smiled. 

What a void ! where is now the republic of letters! 

Though legions of fingers were ready at call, 
Kota muse be alert, when the mind was in fetters, 

©11 the page? of g-^aius to tiiumij out a scrawl! 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



n 



There's one use of the thumb, deprecated as worse, 

Than not using so gifted an organ at all, 
When employing the pen, spreading foul slander's curse; 

Or the type, vending poison, life's peace to enthral. 

The thumb points to duty, it plainly appearing 
That man was for labor intended by heaven ; 

Reward sweetens toil, every blessing endearing. 
What a treasure in this email appendage is given ! 

But how is our gratitude shown for the blessing, 

For the sweets of our toil, are we thankless and dumb?' 

The sweat of the brow, the price paid for transgressing, 
Mercy anticipated, and gave us the tuujib... 



:72 THE TRIFLE WREATH. 



A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. 

Time silent moves, tho' with a swift career, 
With joy to many, ushers in the year; 
To others all their hopes involves in gloom, 
Their earthly blessings centered in the tomb. 
Thus life with mingled shades of good and ill, 
Felicitous, or care-worn, all fulfil, 
ii'ere, notes of sorrow the pain'd ear assail, 
There, songs of gladness echo, peace, ail hail ! 
See ! cries the boasting politician — see ! 
Unnumber'd blessings crown where man is free. 
Yes, fold your arms, enjoy the bounty given; 
What man so blind but sees the smiles of Heaven ! 
Invenlion, rich emboss'd, our country's pride! 
Pours o'er our land her tribute far and wide ; 
Our commerce driven by fire, or sails unfurl'd, 
Bears here, or hence, the products of the world. 
But is this picture just ] W'here joys abound, 
Does no dark spot Columbia's bliss confound 1 
Ask the poor Indian, basely robb'd of home, 
Condemned anew the wilderness to roam ; 
The arts of culture:! life essay'd in vain, 
An outcast, banish'd to the wilJs again. 
From country, home, his fireside forced away, 
And his demesne to lawless hands a prey. 
And should some friendly, feeling mind inquire 
If he such z-^jlce or happixi:£s de^jire. 



Tiifi' TtllPLE WREATH. 

jtis kindling griefs in mutier'd thunders rise; 
Vengeance lie meditates ascomiort dies; 
Weeps o'er the ashes of his buried friends, 
And sullen, slow, retires to western fens. 
Bo Afric's swarthy tribes enjoy the scene 1 
No haunting sorrows shroud the ' deep serene V 
Do the sweet warblers of the grove awake 
Columbia's harmony for Congo's sake? 
Gr Spring unfold her blossom braided limb 
To soothe his sorrows or to gladden him 1 
Or autumn spread for him her ti-easur'd store 
Of choicest blessings in an ample shower ? 
Ah, no ! of Slavery's deep fell pangs the smart 
Is his, the anguish of a tortured heart. 
The tears of wretchedness, the woes that spring, 
When hope no lohger will her succor bring. 
Torn from his country all his heart held dear, 
To pine in misery's dark cabin here. 
Enough of guilt to stain our country's pride, 
Of woes to " sink a navy" in her tide ; 
But does the cause of liberty adviincel 
Will her brave sons her noblest gifts enhance ! 
Is Poland, leading on her tuneful choir, 
Blest with her presence, glowing with her fire 7 
Or has a despot's arm now crushed the brave ; 
Inscribed upon their loftiest towers — slave 1 
Has haughty Albion, zealous for reform, 
Bowed to the yoke, or yielded to '.he storm? 
Will her bold yeomen reap a generous soil, 
To share a scanty pittance from their toil 1 



^* THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Still shall a lordly, hierarchal post, 
In splendid luxury, consume the rest? 
8piin sunk in apathy and hopeless gloom, 
Like the deaf adder, silent waits her doom. 
Too low for hope to raise her from the dust, 
Fixed is her fate and though severe 'tis just. 
Past is her day of splendor and of fame, 
Now blight and wretchedness o'ercloud her name. 
Behold our country ! Pennsylvania groans 
Beneath the pressure of LArpRoyEiviEXT loans; 
Canals and rail-roads lay the country waste. 
She mortgages her wealth with thriftless haste. 
Ingulfs her treasures faster than they're given, 
Anticipates the promised boon of Heaven ; 
Like courtly nations swells her leagured debt, 
And leaves us little for our deep regret. 
But, far avaunt, despair; a hand unseen. 
With PERFECT WISDOM guides the vast machine. 
The tide of life swells higher as it rolls. 
Nor ebbing Liberty our hopes controls; 
Our native foresters shall find a home 
Uafetter'd priviledg'd by Heaven to roam. 
The swarthy African erect shall stand, 
And Freedom swell his veins on Freedom's land, 
And Europe's children hear the great decree, 
Loose be your shackles, be you blest, be free ! 
Columbia's sons redeem each great emprize, 
E'n nullitiers of the South — be wise. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 75 



ON THE ANNIVERSArvY OF AMERICAN 
INDEPENDENCG. 

Man as he was — in ages dark, 

The child of ignorance and wrath ; 
With scarce a hright redeeming spark 

Of knowledge, to illume his path. 

He scaled the mountain's rugged side, 

As nature's commoner to loam ; 
Till culture brought efiicient aid, 

And tamed the virtues round his home. 

Man as he is — a wayward child, 

To folly prone, of reckless wil! ; 
But science on his labors sjniied, 

And bade him high desisius fulfil. 



With every good within his reach, 
His lan.^uid virtues feared to rise 

What reason and religion teach, 
The maxims of the world despis 



Man as he should be — mind erect, 
A. id looking up to uaturu's God ; 



f^ THE TRIPLE WREATltl 

Maintains through life his self respect, 
And treads the path the good have trod. 

Man as he should be — free as air, 

Rejoicing in his happy lot; 
And thankful for the bounteous share 

Of blessings showefed around his cot. 

Man as he should be — temperate, just ; 

Above the low pursuits of pride; 
Slave to no vile degrading lust, 

Has truth and wisdom for his guide. 

?*f an as he should be — would this day, 
Above all in the flight of time. 

The FLA» OF GRATITUDE displajr , 

And consecrate to rights Divine. 

Man as he should be — mind serene, 

Would shun this day the madd'ning bowl 

Make this high festival a scene 
Of moral worth, to feast the soul. 

Then will our favored country stand 

On freedom's pedestal, so fair, 
For justice high, and manners bland, 

As reason's, freedom's, virtue's shield. 



T«B TEIPLE WREATH, 7T 

Written UxNDer a print representikcs 
the jewess rebecca. 

A bCENE FROM IVAWHOE. 

ISee Abraham's cisiughter here portray 'd, 

Who every excellence combined ; 
And Scotia's generous bard essay'd 

A garland round her hro?? to bind. 

He galher'd each ideal grace, 

That grew in Fancy's rich parterre ; 
The loveliest tints of mind and face ; 

Tae blooming chaplet wreathed for hef= 

The charming Israelite shall wear 

The garland, down to latest time ; 
A m-^dul for the C;iristian fair, 

The flo .ver of Zion's storied clime. 

Thanks to the Bard whose noble fir^, 

Glow'd with so dignified a flame; 
Not Juuah's harp could e'er aspire, 

A happi.r eulogy to frame. 

Eebecca's virtues long shall bluom, 

Through iime embalm the poet's fame ; 

And Time himself, will ne'er j^ntun^b 
A fairer, L-fdex, laoblcr name. 



78 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



ON THE DEATH OF HANNAH KIRKBRIDE, 

ADDHESSKD TO HER SISTERS IIT SOCIETT. 

Sisters, you have cause to mourn : 

Yours is now the house of sorrow; 
Kirkbride 's ended her sojourn, 

For Heaven's everlasting morrow ; 
A zeal so pure, and praise and prayer. 
We trust have found acceptance there. 

By the bounty of her God, 

She a lengthen'd visit paid you ; 
She the path of duty trod, 

Every nerve was strained to aid you ; 
The feebleness of age could ne'er 
Abate her zeal, for love was there. 

Soothing, patient, calm, collected, 

Wise in council, you have found her, 

All her views by truth directed ; 

All the blandest feelings round her ; 

And gently exercising care 

O'er all the flock, for truth was there. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Who shall fill the vacant seat ? 

Can you, my mourning sisters, tell, 
As she rose her God to meet, 

On whom the inspiring mantle fell ! 
O ! may a double portion, blest, 
Of her pure spirit, on you rest! 

Death an easy conquest found her; 

Yet no triumph shall he boast ; 
Weak the bonds to earth that bound her 

Scarce a pang her freedom cost. 
This mortal life was not her care, 
Her life was faith, and hope, and prayer. 

Long cherish'd by Divine regard, 
Within this world of grief and pain ; 

Call'd to receive her rich reward, 
" Our loss is her eternal gain ;" 

Be grateful for the blessing given, 

This bright example lent by Heaven ! 



S) TirS TUIPLG U?.S.VT?r. 



TO EII\rARD EUK^. 

G9 aiS PI19P0SING TO EXECUTE A FAIXTIKG C"3rKK.'«i>- 
RATI'/E OF T.:E PHOailESS OF RELrCOUS tSBott t 

7' vvo sifter Arts descended from el'ove. 
And both the offspring of Almighty love, 
'i'he painter's eye with noble gonitis fir'd, 
The poet^s soul.with kindred light inspir\^ 
I^ ^ch. cultivated with a chastened mind, 
Fornied to instruct, and to delight mankind. 
To THKE the pencil's graphic arts belong. 
And I. at humble distance, court the song;^ 
Fa'n wo'j'd I see thy powerful art portray'd, 
'^0 lend to Liberty its geneious aid. 
But where begin, wiiere first the standard rai^ft 
N )t in the obscurity of a-ncient days ; 
NiU^bt 'tnid the Antidiluvi.n nngo appears. 
Through the dark vista of two thousand year.i; 
Nor from the Flood's oVrwhelming data show, 
ILt hallow'J favors^, when iriaakind were few. 
But when the glorious Son of Heaven descends, 
K^'ent by Omnipotence for gracious en>!s ; 
1'hen was reveal'd thro' Him the Ciiristian plini;- 
Sn rich with blessings to his creature man. 
Tnere on the mount t';e ri ing fl jine begnn, 
"VVarna'd the ApoctUs, spread frona a-tar. to man,- 



THE XrtlPLE WFICATH, M 

'7 hr Hf'ivrnly raj fxpriniiing: from its binh, 
'ViA.li \\(Ay rai-liance mark"d its path on farl!:!, 
"1:1! h!t;utry, dreaJ foe to all that's dear 
I:) Chiistian liberty, then grasp'd the sprar, 
Wiih piftent rnalice the dire weapon hurlM, 
And half unpeopkd ali the Christian wurlt! ; 
From age to age the bloody signet ra:5, 
P;h]e was its o" ject, and its subject man. 
Froai Rome's proud Bishop, Lo! the mandate springt, 
And the yoke binds upon the neck of king?; 
Where'er religious liberty arose, 
She soon was compass'd by a host of foes ; 
Theie the poor Huguenots by thousands slain, 
Drench'd with their life blood Gal'ia's guilty plain ; 
Ere this, a twinlding ray of light we find, 
V.'hicli half illuminated Calv'm's mind ; 
A!:d Luther saw the radiance from afar, 
Beaming .before him like a distant star. 
Far In perspective lot their forms be seen, 
And poor Scrvetus' flaming pyre belwetn. 
Lei the meek, humble t^hepherd* find a place, 
And Penn, and Sarday will thy canvass gracf ; 
Vi, ith ho>;ts of worthies, who could nobiy dare 
Contend for liberty wiih praise and j)raver. 
These group'd together on the right we soo., 
|?eiow them, frieiius of Afrit's liberty. 
Mark tiie high impulse, first propeli'd by I-„s I| 
>ilgr5ugh enthusiast pioacer'd the way; 

• Fox. 

fSfe his Li:e, by R. Vaur:, 



82 THE TRIPLE WEEATH. 

With wound fictitious, and with crimson'd hand, 

Arous'd the slumbering feeling of the land. 

The gentle Benezet here finds his place 

'Mong the good advocates of Afric's race; 

View his slow moving bier, which worth endears^ 

And a whole city's sable sons in tears. 

t'larkson, in Freedom's cause, with fervent zeal, 

And holy confidence for Afric's weal, 

Travers'd the British isles, in mercy's aid; 

To loose the fetters selfish man had made ; 

Touch'd every string that vibrates round the hearty 

With noble energy sustained his part. 

There Wiiberforce, with reason bold and strong, 

Pour'd his full soul redressive of their wrong, 

And rang a solemn, loud, and long appeal 

To all who FELT, or wanted hearts to feel. 

Show'd India's sweets, their too luxurious food. 

To the mind's eye, were " dy'd with Afric's blood." 

To freedom's ranks, what numbers Truth has givei2> 

But who recounts the starry hosts of Heaven ! 

Paint what thou canst upon the living scroll I 

And pcur a ray of genius round the whoie. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. §3 



LINES ADDRESSED TO E. L. P. 



ox THE DEATH OF AS INFANT DAUGUTEH. 

We mourn not the aged, who sleep full of years, 
And honours full blown, which their brows were adorninj 

'Tis infantile loveliness calls for our tears, 
Departed in beauty's first dawn of her morning. 

Like the rosebud unfolding its leaves, moist with dew; 

Bright hopes of the future around her were shining, 
As gems intellectual expanded to view ; 

All the feminine graces young life were entwining. 

Those lispings of gladness no more shall we hear, 
The mind's lovely promise, how transiently glowing, 

While her life's ermine page was unstained by a tear 
For the crimes or the sorrows of life, ever flowing. 

As the morn's brilliant ray sparkling on to the west, 
Inhaling rich fragrance from bowers of roses, 

As a zephyr she past us, retiring to rest, 

So brief was her course — now in Heaven reposes. 



Si THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Oompission for us may be shoding that brow, 

That Cherub voice, PEnFtcx now, softly he pleading; 

Cease to weep for the happy, for rapture is now 
Encircling blest souls, as earth's joys are receding. 

Tlio^ugh rosy and bright was my pathway with you, 

'!^Twas dark, when compared with the radiance uEUBbean:- 
ing; 

Though with tears you have bid me a mortal adieu, 

We shall meet whe?e true joys are all sorrows /edeeming. 



THE TRIPLS WREATH. 85 



UNE9 WRITTEN UNDER A PAINTING CT 
HANNAH MOORE'S COTTAGE. 

Is this fam'd Barley-wood ! t!:e cot 
Where genius was so long enshtin'd ! 

"The charming, still, soquestrred spot, 

Where taste would homage pay to mind, 

*Tig simple, as tlie wild rose flower 

That fringes round the silent lake ; 
A tasteful, lovely, syhan bovver. 

As nature dress'd by art could make. 



And HERE the votaries of farae,— 

Their minds enrich'd with classic lore,- 

From distant lands admiring cane 
To greet the intelli-ctl'al Mooni:. 



^Twas peaceful all, an hunil)!e domp, 
Where case and elegance co bin'J 

To mingle with the joys of home, 
Ihe purest pleasures of the mind. 

And every grace that brealh'd arouni}. 
Was guardian of the hallow'd seat; 

And wit, and worth, and genius foui.tij, 
A welcome at tLis lone retrc-a,t. 



86 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



THE EAGLE, A SYMBOL IN WAR, 

Proud Eagle ! fit emblem of war, 
To lead on the armies of men ; 
Thy might, and thy fierceness declare 
Thee, tyrant of field and of fen ; 
In carnage and slaughter, thou lead'st on the van, 
And the blessings of peace are all placed under ban. 

Where has ifOT the robber-bird flown 1 

Dominion he claims o'er the world, 
And he grasps at the Earth as his own, 
The dakt of DEFiAifCE is hurled ; 
Where next will he hover, a symbol of wrath ] 
O'er the joys of existence, the blight of our path ! 

Gaul spread his broad pinions — he flew — 

His beak soon in crimson was dyed. 
And peace from the world then withdrew. 
While VENGEANCE his victims supplied; 
Thus marking his path with destruction and fear, 
To havoc and ruin a swift pioneer. 

Plunder'd Afric ! we mourn o'er the guilt 
Which has stolen thy children : a crime 

By which torrents of blood have been spilt, 
The stain and reproach of our clime ; 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. ST 

And slaves, as the cruel, and first fruits of war, 
In triumph are dragged at the conquerer's car. 

Should the chain of oppression be broken, 

And the slave, by a righteous decree, 
Be known as a man, by the token 

That Heaven proclaimed him the free ; 
Rejoicing, he lightly will move o'er the plain, 
And Freedom as proudly shall wash out the stain. 

The Eagle no longer for rapine and spoil, 

Shall wing his bold flight o'er the wave, 
The children of Afric in war to embroil, 
That the robber may seize on his slave ; 
And Christians no longer a license enrol 
For the sinews and blood of their brothers to prowi. 

JYo ; MT COUNTRY, at least, will forbear, 

And seek a new ensign, the Dove, 
Nor symbol of wrath will uprear. 
But serve under banners of love : 
The nations will hail the new era from Heaven, 
With songs of rejoicing, and gratitude given. 

Then, Eagle, aloft rise in air, 

With thy olive branch, emblem of peace ! 
Thy darts shall no more be thy care. 
And war and injustice will cease. 
On the altar of love, every wrong be consumed. 
And the warrior's false glory and pride be deplumed. 



88 T5IB TRIFLE WREATH. 

Let. a '•■''in::: far more huaible aspirp, 

\^'()ich l!0:i>;ts not of physical powrr ; 
Bo its plume ti|iped with pure moral lire. 

And the pukss vvi.h dark thunder shall lower: 
'Twil! hrcik up the slumbers of ma.n-stkahxg i.'iarj, 
A-nd f/teJj.'U, tr!u!T»p!:artt, rejoice in !ier plan. 



T'ita TRIPLE \Vif.HA'Til,. £§ 



To MALVINA. 

" Tlie (]..u2:hter of Toscar was tiiere, an;1 her voice wa.^ Iik*! 
!i:C harp when the Jisant s^ound coaiebin the evening, on th© 
»..-ft ru&tling breeze of the vaie." 0SSIA1^> 

Ok ! t !ove th."t soft key. tliaf symphon;ou> swell, 
V\ hich bre itiies in IVfai'-ina's ecstatic farewell ; 
'Tis enrob'd in true taste, for the heart feeis the glotr. 
Anil few touch the hyrp with such sweetness as thoo- 

Fair daughter o'' Toscar. g-veep the strings once agrun ; 
Pvvcll ti.en'ite up to ji>y, in mchnliou-- strain ; 
Lot tliC sun's orient beanns gihl thy path o'er the c!e!L 
Nor d .^ell with "gray mists,'" in a mournful fureaelh 

If one gleam of" true fri'^ndship, endeared by its stay. 
Light the g'o. m ro(:nd tlie breast, when its joys are away i 
Hope spreads her gay p'nion.s to glnd their return, 
Kor j yless the sorruw vs-hich weep- their sojourn. 

f "oar days set in hopr in yon regions afar. 
We mriy bask in tl^e beaiijs of sweet eve's dewy s*3r ; 
r.) nm ngh- the virtues round friendship'? pure shins, 
il ;vv rich the enjoy ratnt when vvho'ly divine. 



90 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

When the spirit of song shall again cheer our vale, 
And the light of Malvina's soul floats on the gale ; 
May its voice speak with rapture of friendship's return. 
And joy greeting joy, shall few absentees mourn. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. ,91 



NEW-YEAR'S ADDRESS FOR 1832. 

In the records of Time, as reported by sages, 

Man still has progressed in each science and art ; 

But the volume of lite yet has many marr'd pages, 
Which on a review, joy nor peace can impart. 

Are we ready to hail the new year on his way 1 
How stands the account with the one just gone by ? 

Is there no cherish'd vice we are prompt to obey ? 
The virtues and duties how will they reply 1 

Has our duty to Him who now lends us the year, 
Been ardently, humbly, and feelingly done ? 

Has the Saviour's blest precepts been gratefully dear ? 
Then on this page of Hfe the great plaudit is won. 

Our Neighbor comes next in the precept as given. 
When love should be felt, as for self we may feel ; 

Have we often revolved this memento of Heaven ? 
With brotherly kindness consulted his weal ? 

In the path of sheer folly, when wandering astray, 
Have we honestly shown him a pitfall is near ? 

<^ The gulf of intemperance lies in thy way, 
'Tis a vortex of ruin, ah ! wilt thou not hear ?" 



&2 t!j!: Tr.{pr/£ witEAtft. 

The Widow, Ike Orphan, now hring their accoiint 
Shn;)!e justice wil! not meet the balance due here J 

f'l IS our kindness and charity sweh'd the amount 
Oiajts nobly done which may grace the past year* 

JIas the pVaise of our Country been chaunled with joy t 
It? justice and clemency soothing oUr ear : 

Does naughl in her councils those fetdings destroy ! 
Mow will the robb'J red Siav now hail the new year' 

*rhe civilized arts were just opening his mind, 
In the sun of protection he bask'd a short day : 

XVas the act that expell'd him unchristian, unkind : 
Doe* justice say, " Hence, to the wilds again stray ''** 

Oh, I blush for my country, the noble, the free, 
7'hat Li!;erty makes such wide difltrence here ; 

That freedom, and comfv.rt, and joy should not be? 
'■ Uuulienable rights'' at the birth of the }ear. 

^li.e poor African,, too, onr compassion should share. 
Can v/e feci for the Slave in his desolate state *! 

Hi-i privations and griefs, are they pnrt of our care, 
\Vi:cn we supplicate Mercy to soften hi;, fate * 

H !S any deep sorrow been sooth'd or appess'd, 
Hi.s rights of epj'.^yments restored or antended ". 

C-r [sa- ti e derp blot en our nation increas'd ; 

Fee ^ud -chth'd !9v his toil is not consci-nce off nJed 



THE TRIPLE HREATH. 93 

Tli^se questions all answered with truth and with peace, 

The duties completed, the charities done, 
We confidingly hope as new years may increase. 

That our joy and our peace have been honestly won. 

!f, all's well at home, look abroad o'er the world. 

Where the seeds of confusion have broad cast been sown ; 

See Liberty struggling, with banners unfurl'd ; 
Thine eye all compiacent, reverts to thy home. 

The heart mourns o'er Poland, in the toils she is taken ? 

Her brave and her wise, are now low in the dust, 
And freedom laaients o'er her altar's forsaken, 

How sweeping the ruin, how cruel, unjust ! 

There x\lbion*s wild rage is avenging the deed, 

¥/hich deprived hex of hope, in her promised reform ■: 

And Liberty sorrows o'er A_narchy's creed. 
Which riots in ruin, and joys to deform. 

See France vacillating, unsteady her course, 
And freedom is there on the tenters beset; 

The late reign of terror has broken her force, 

Though she yet has a host in her own Lafayette, 

Ah, yet there is one lovely isle of the ocean, 
The fairest, the greenest, the world ever saw ! 

To which the heart turns with the fondest emotion, 
Of her wide roaming children, 'tis '-Erin go Bnigh." 



>''*■■ THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

'Twos the home of our Fathers, by sufTVin? cri'lear'a : 
MisjovernM, maltreated, it smiles o'er the sea ; 

Her warm hearted sons are by freedom rever'd. 
And deserve all the blessings enjoy'd by the Fuke. 

But Liberty's building a booth in the West, 

"Where her sons are now learning her triumphs to share ; 
At one ini^jhty effort, one heave of the breast, 

She expell'd the Incubus, the moral Nigiit^iars. 

Yet still must her lessons be zealously taught, 
Her rational precepts, be studied with care. 

The true pearl of freedom, with wisdom be sought, 
'Tis a gem of great price, and of brilliancy rare. 

Then, all hail Columbia, from east to the west! 

The asylum for freedom, all eyes are on thee ? 
Let gratitude beat with each pulse of the breast. 

Be prudent, be peaceful, be just, and be free. 



THE TR7rT"E WREATH. 95 



TO MARY WILSON, 

€)n har sending, hy her little son, a basket rj 
Flowers, accom.panied by a poetical letter to the 
Author's wife* 

Thanks, gentle friend ! thy garland rare, 
AH bright with native gems bedeck'd, — 

Presented by a cherub fair, 

We fondly cherish with respect. 



Yet one far dearer thou did'st send, 
With mental beauty richly braided ; 

A tribute to thy " mother's friend," 
Who long will keep its hues unfaded. 



But soon she may not pay the debt, 
In polished verse, and tuneful numbers ; 

Yet, though the muses may forget, 
A heart affectionate remembers. 

An orphan in life's early morn, 

Thy childhood learned the notes of sorrow, 
As parents passed that solemn bourn, 

That hails riot a returning morrow. 



96 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

But kindred hearts, to feeling true, 

Witness their virtues have DEscii^^DED 

To those we love, in whom we vie\r 
Their worth and various talents blended, 

And she, who was thy "mother's friend," 
Transferred, long since, to thee and thine 

That friendship death alone can rend, 
Which still her bosom will enshrine. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 97 



LINES WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM. 

Too o!d for the muses, no fancy I bring, 

No raptures I offer, rlo ecstacies sing ; 

The sunshine or storm are now trilfies to me, 

While I know what I am, and what soon I must be. 

Youth loves the gay chaplet, the tulips, the roses, 
That bloom in life's spring time, so odorous and fair ; 
In fancy's rich bowers her mind she reposes, 
And finds every beauty a-nd elegance there. 

Time, reckless, mows down the parterre of bright flowers. 
And plants, sad and sombre, may grow in their place ; 
The lawn and the woodlands, the streamlet and bowers, 
Lose their beauty and fragrance, their richne&s and grace„ 

Go, Alt)um, proclaim then to thy lovely mistress, 
That fruits will be sought ere the sere leaf shall fall ; 
That spring, sumn>er,'autumn, can only have blest us, 
'When hearts glow with grateful remembrance for all. 



THE TRIPLE WREATR 



PE-TAL-E-SHA-ROO, 

AS AUTHENTIC INDIA:^ TAlt 

Far to the West Missouri's stream 

Pours its wild waves, to swell the roar. 

Where Mexico's broad waters gleam, 
And lash St. Barnard's sounding shore 

There dwelt a race of warriors wild, 

Untamed and fierce, no laws they kncT^'- 

The gentle feelings all exiled — 

And savage as their panther's grew. 



Panted their chiefs for war and strife, 

Siy as the serpent, subtle, bold. 
Who only yield with parting life, — S^j^> 

These o'er the western prairies prowl'd 



Long had a feud of deadly wrath, 

Smoulder'd, or blazed, in forests deep 

The blood of Sioux stain'd their path. 
Itean maidens wildly weep. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

A Pav.aee band had captive made 
A chiefiain's daughter of their foe?, 

Allur'd to treacherous ambuscade; 

A.nd A^engeance thr,.? would claim her di:es. 

They doom her in their council dread. 

To expiate each dire offence; 
And instant to the torture led. 

Reckless of sex or innocence. 

The stake was set, the brushwood round — 
Green withes her graceful limbs had tied. 

And every twisted thong that bound, 
Was anguish — her last hope had died. 

But now a rushing sound is heard! 

Two horses fleet, are full in view; 
And ONE who danger never fcar'd, 

(in, firmly, to the rescue Hew. 

Serored the cruel bands that bound, 

Then rais'd her on a noble steed ; 
Cast glance of high resolve around, 

And shap'd his distant course with speed- 
Far to the setting sun they fly. 

O'er mounts and rivers, swiftly wind, 
^Till thrice his parting rays they spy: 

And leave astonishment behind. 



99 



100 TKE TRIFLE VVREATE. 

He placed her on the war-path, known. 
With the " Great Spirit" for her guidt 
Well pleased, this sacred duty done^ 
^He bade adieu, and left her side. 

Calm, he returned from distant plains — 
No voice of praise or censure given— 

In silent awe the host rema ns : 

As siTLick by m.rjcle fiom Heaven. 

Pc-tal-c feha-roo's gdlant bearing 
Had won the fiercest warriors heart ,; 

What Pawnee chief of equal daring ] 
Or where is found his counterpart? 

They see in him a chieftain's might, 
A warrior's courage, wisdom, fire ; 

To guide their ranks, in future fight, 
Heroic councils to inspire. 

The youthful chief— not deeils of arms 
Alone, his character portray ; 

His heart each generous feeling warms. 
And wiles the harsher traits away. 

His stately form and beaming eye. 
With grace and dignity combined ; 

Assurance give of spirit high; 
A lofty nobleness of miad. 



THE TRIFLE WREATH. l(il 

He comes ! our Capitol to grace, 

His civic virtues b'aze his name ; 
An embassy his honor'd place; 

Before him rolls the voice of fame. 

• Here, all His chivalrous valour own, 
And lavish pra'se where honor calls ; 
Fashion and beauty round him throng, 
■And admiration fills our halls. 

"A ineJal emblematic shone 

On the young hero's manly breast; 
The MKEi) from grateful beauty won, 

His dauntless bravery express'd. 

The s]STER-BA!yn with graceful air, 
Adilress'd the cliief with fair regard : 

" Do thou this speaking emblem wear, 
Of gallant deed the just re'Aard. 

-Still.be the weaker Bex thy care; 

cJtill guard them from their ruthless foes ; 
'Thus teach the vengeful arm to spare. 

And fame shall garland round thy brows/' 

Virtue will ever reverence claim, 

In polished life, or sylvan shades ; 
Denificence its holy aim, 

To peace.''u!, generous acts persuades. 



i02 THE TiilPLE WREATH. 



LWITAnoN TO li. HArxKER OF PHILADELPHIA 

(Jome away to the streamlets and fuuiitaius, 
Healtli thvellrf by the side of our vale; 

Hit homk's in the air of our mountains, 
She IS fouiid in the breath of the gale. 

J'he wild rose our glades is adorning, 

iviice tlie cheeks of our fair ones in bloom ; 

And gaily on wings of the morning, 
Around is diifusing perfume. 

Tlie eglantine too, is consigning 

Us sweets to the ambient air; 
With our groves softest music combining 

'i'i> foriii & retreat for the fair. 

And youth's tiie spring tide of enjoyment, 
Oil Time on life's ebb Uoats his cares ; 

'i'he UKAnr asks some gentle employment, 
Belitting its feelings and years. 

Then away to the streamlets and fountains, 

Health dwells by the side of our vale ; 
iShe lives in thi^ air of our mountains, 

A.nJ is found in the breath of the gale. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 103 

WHY DON'T HE CUME. 

WRITTEN FOU AN' ENGnAVIXG. 

VViiy doii': he come] I know his heart 

Is; all a brother's heart shoukl he ; 
A'o [loor, unworthy joys have part, 

'Tis xixE, and it is all to me. 

I'm toIJ the way u long and wild ! 

Disease may find him (ar from home! 
^^"iKiout a ray of hofje to gild, 

)r sister's love to cheer the gloom. 

Have there been tempests in his path, 

^Vith foaming waters swelling high 1 
And raging winds that spent their wra;h 

O'er his frail bark, no succor nigh 1 



I'vv look'd for him at t'awning morn, 
And noon has found me gazing still ; 

At gloomy eve, I 've sat forlorn, 

And watch'd the path beside the rill. 



The Lox-Kir bosom yet tvill pine, 
Uncheer'd by [)leasurc's gtiyest tone. 

Thus owns this aching heart of mine, 
When asking oft, Why don't he coj;ie! 



104 THE TRIPLC WEEATH. 

LL\ES ADDRESSED TO A FRiE^^D, ON TP/E 
DEATH OF HER MOTHER. 

We must not mourn, my gentle friend, 
Tlirough life, for friends, however dear; 

Grief may like evening dews descend, 
If morning suns exhale the tear, 

'Twas given us by Creating hand^ 

That we should exquisitely leel ; 
And then with soothing feelings bland, 

That time the rankling wound should beak 

A mother's anguish pain'd thy heart ; 

It ceas'd — her transports hope has told ; 
With grief wc yield the sullering part, 

The juxn's within the blessed iolu. 



Say ivof, the s^aration 's long 

That death your kin<lred souls shall sever: 
The term does not to Time belong, 

It has no meaning like — fou ei-eu. 

Say not, society has lost 

The charm and grace it once ['ossess'd ; 
Griefs but a canker worm at most, 

That pieys upon the feeling breast. 



THE TRirLE WREATH. 105 

I, too, a mother's loss have mourn'J, 

A dearer never own'd the name ; 
Long in life's perils she sojourn'd. 

Then claimed my tears ; I paid tiae claim. 

And if the tenderest tics are broken. 

That I'ind us to the joys of earth ; 
Looli thou " ?loft," see there a Token, 

A promise of the second birth, 

A brighter and a hapi>ier sphere. 

For those we loved, has op'ed its portals; 

A ray of joy, all unknown here, 

Shines on, to bless those dear immortals. 



106 , THE iivli-l.i> VJKEMu. 

T.JE FALL 07 THC LEAF-ADDRESSED I'O A 
Yours G FKIEAD. 

Ah! ye hnvc hcd your verdant morn, 
•\ntl deck'J the groves in loveliest green ; 

Oid time your glossy hue has shorn, 
Your foliage wears a russet mien. 

Wlien early frosts, and chilling wind, 

Have stain'd the woodland's thousand dyes ; 

The golden, crimson, orange, lend 
Their every charm to tasteful eyes. 

A gam stern winter robs the grove — 

The remnants of its fiided charms, 
Descending from their heights above, 

Are scattered wildly by his storms. 

\V'(;Ii may my friend discover here, 

Similitude to man's estate; 
Anil hear the summons to prepare — 

The mortal span must have its date. 

Tn-..-E wisdom will the young remind. 

Above all storms to put their trust; 
They, like the leaf, no fall we find, 

The youthful mai, the aged must. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 10' 



K Y M X . 

Oh Thou ! who erst in Hebrew song, 
Phrophetic melodies inspired ; 

Bade rapt Isaiah's strains prolong 
The glow the minstrel's hosom fired. 

Shall one, the least of Z ion's band, 
Presume to wake the speaking string ; 

With nrtlc.5s notes, and tuneless hand, 
An anthem raise to Zion's King? 

Thy creatures follow vain desire?. 

Which lead them from thine altars far 
And warm them by unhallowed fires, 

That dim the light of Bethlehem's star. 

Arni 'midst the caro-worn paths of time. 
How seldom rise their hearts to Thee ; 

'Tuo iVail up virue's sleep to climb ; 
'\ OM proui to bow the grateful knee. 

Tije Prodigal on husks who ffd. 
May PENITENT return to Thee; 

iiim, Father, to thy mansion lead, 
Restored, forgiven, blest and free. ' 



The following poems were written by membere of Sawuel 
Johnson's family, and as they would add, in our opinion, t« 
the interest of the work, we shall conclude with theai the 
pr«€eat rolume. 



LINES 

StiGOESTED BX TlIiT FIRST VIEW 01 A COViET* 

Mail ! beautiful stranger, I welcome thy beaming, 
Through far depths of ether resplendently gleaming ; 
All glorious and bright in thy burning career, 
I hail thee with reverence, unmingled with fear. 

No terrors attend thee, no dread train of fire, 
Portending wars, earthquakes, or pestilence dire ; 
But lovely and calm as the planet of even, 
Thou look'st from thy path in the azure of Heaven. 

On thy journey so brilliant, eccentric, amazing, 
With all their mild eyes see the Pleiades gazing ; 
Each spirit of Heaven in its bright car of gold, 
To fancy's rapt view seems to pause and behold. 

Whence com'st thou fair visitant, where is thy home ? 
Through what unknown systems or spheres dost thou roam 1 
Does thy lamp through the vast wilds of ether self-borne, 
Ever cheer the cold realms of Uranus forlorn 1 

To mount for a space in thy chariot of fire, 
In visions romjantic might fancy aspire, 



112 THE TRIPLE WREATH 

Through the boundless expanse of creation beroH't], 
And glance at the wonders thy course would unfold. 



O ! might we not pass in our limiiless range, 
The wild realms of chaos all formless and strange ? 
But a glimpse of the homes of the blest could we »e€^f 
Are the souls of the guilty imprisoned in thee 1 

But hence with conjectures as useless as vain, 
Enough we behold thee on Heaven's oroad plain, 
Enough that wherever thy splendors shall move. 
To know they are guided by Infinite Love. 

Bristol Township, Phila. co. Pa. E, P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 113 



ELIJAH,— ON MOUNT HOREB. 

Alone, on Horeb's sacred mount, the seer Elijah stood, 
While passed before his wondering sight, the mighty power 

af God ! 
For lo ! a sweeping whirlwind rose, the quaking rocks it rent,* 
And fiercely o'er the trembling hills, its wrathful course was 

bent ; 
Yet spoke not in this tumult wild, the voice the prophet 

sought. 
That voice so awful, yet so dear, no angry tempests brought. 

And after came an earthquake dread, the shaking earth was 

riven. 
And clouds of dark sulphurous smoke, obscured the light of 

Heaven ; 
Then fell the lofty works of men, their towers and temples 

fair. 
And where the once proud city stood — a whelming flood was 

there ! 
Yet not, from all this fearful wreck, arose that solemn word — 
' Twas but the putting forth of power, the pathway of the 

Lord. 



'And brake in pieces the rocks," I. Kings. 19. 11. 



114 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Next came a far consuming fire, majestically bright, 
And oh ! severely beautiful, was that most glorious light ; 
Wide o'er Samaria's splendid domes, the glowing radiance 

streara'd, 
And Horeb's everlasting rocks, in flaming grandeur gleam'd, 
'Twas not of earth; that light sublime, and yet no word was 

there ; 
The word the holy prophet sought, with humbled soul to 

hear. 

At length, a still, small voice was heard ; Elijah bow'd his 

head, 
And o'er his face his mantle's shade, with silent reverence 

spread ; 
Frophetic was that voice divine, of strange events it spoke — 
It told that soon a faithless race should wear the Syrian 

yoke. 
And high behests to him it gave, commandments of the Lord ; 
Then forth the righteous prophet went, obedient to the word. 

E. P. 



THE TEirLS WREATH. 11- 



TO MY FATHER. 

'J'his poetical commerce so gainful I find, 
No vronder to venture again I'm inclin'd. 
In the bank of the muses one talent I placed— 
Lo ! ten shining talents my counter have graced. 
Or suppose illustration yet clearer to show, 
\Ve revert to a story told ages ago, 
Of a Trojan — so Homer sings — generous and hrave, 
His armor of "gold wrought divinely" who gave 
(With costly devices emblazon'd all o'er.) 
For the meaner equipments that Uiomede wore.- — 
Ah ! no muses thy daughter e'er deign to inspire, 
With ethereal spark of poetical fire, — 
'Tis the glow of affection her bosom that warms — 
UxPKRisiiiif& TENUERJTEss Only that charms : 
For the parent she loves, the rude chaplet she weaves- 
Simple blossoms entwining with Amakanth leaves. 
13ut the ri.owKR uxFAniNG such grace can impart — 
With electrical touch, it strikes home to the heart. 

The Summer is rapidly passing away- 
Touched e'en now with the shadows of change and decay 
Stiangeis it — that ever as older we grow, 
The tide of existence seems faster to flow, 
Commingling cares, pleasures, in ceaseless commotion, 
As roll its wild waves '.o Eternity's ocean.-- ^ 



11$ THE TRIPLE WREATH' 

2S'<>w often years backward o'er scenes that are pas*^ 

A glance retrospective all thoughtful I cast ; 

When life's little stream in embankments of flowerf?, 

Winded merrily onward through infancy's bowers. — 

Seedn'd the miniature waves my weak bark to o'ervvhelm- 

ITow affection maternal stood watch at the hel.n ! 

Sooa to reason expanding the rudder she gave, 

And showed the bright Pole-star to guide and to save : 

^uch it ever has been — though unheeding too oft 

We look round and below but too seldom "alo?t." 

Its glories benign yet but dimly I see — 

Oh I shine thou blest" Beacon unclouded and free 1" 

Disperse with thy beams error's misty control, 

With passion and prejudice — clouds of the soul. 

Thoa know'st that I love— if but feebly — thy ray — 

Oh ! bid it expand to the brightness of day ! 

Round tlie dear ones I love, be to watch and to ward 

Off mortality's evils — a guide and a guard ; 

Life's tempests all weathered, its dangers all past, 

T© the haven of Mercy direct us at last. 

EL P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 117 



LLNES SUGGESTED BY A VISIT TO ELM GEOVE 

AFTER A PROTRACTED ABSENCE. 

Bear native shades, I greet your sylvan bowers, 

Familiar in gay cluldhood's sunny hours, 

A.S yet unscathed in lofty pride ye stand, 

Nor feel the weight of Time's all conquering hand, 

Ye dread no blighting day — but come it must, 

Your leafy honors prostrate in the dust: 

As little reck the changes years have made 

To those once dwelling in your grateful shade. 

Ah! what fond ties asunder have been torn, 

Since FIRST the sunliglit on your brow was worn; 

Youth's glossy locks, and age with silvery hair, 

Manhood's firm step, and lisping childi-.ood fair, 

Have burst the bonds the immortal soul that bound — 

Wanderers in earth's wide waste, their home is found. 



Home of my earliest joys — that rural glade — 
Not all the changes time and taste have made, 
Can visions bright from memory's page dispel. 
Of scenes remembered long, and loved so well. 
Those arching boughs the lawn still shadow o'er, 
The brook stiil murmurs by the friendly door: 



lis THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

TliouaK many an after scene should be forgot, 
My heart will linger in that lovely spot ; 
And still the light by faithful men)ory cast, 
Like moonlight lustre, gild the blissful past -A. J. P. 
jjuckingham, lSi3. 



TEfE TRIPLE WREATH. 119 



LINES 

ay OPEXIXG A BOOK, IIT WHICH BAD BEEX PRESERVED A 

COLLECTION OP PROFILES OHTAISTEl) IN EARLY LIFE, 

Kelics of love and friendship gone, 

Dim semblances of those once dear ; 
Of youthful days forever flown, 

What loved remembrances are here ! 

Association's power again 

Revives each form in memory's vjew ; 
Untouch'd by time, unbianch'd hy pain, 

All fresh, and beautiful, and true. 

Ah I THIS, my heart hath treasured vfeU ; 

Benevolence rcfinM, and warm 
Could features more distinctly tell?—- 

A iov'd and venerated form. 

For I, long in thy ancient haJl, 

Once own'd thy k'nd patcr>iaj care j 
How chang'd ! — each trace hath vanish^! a^l 

Of love and joy, that linger'd there ; 



120 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Within that mansion's modest bound, 
A prouder step than tliine is seen, 

"Where sweet domestic bliss was found, 
There sports gay fashion's miilhfal queen. 

Bjt THOU, a house not made with hands, 
Eternal in the Heavens is thine, 

To join the bright celestial bands. 
In robes of holy light to shine. 

I mark'd thy closing hour serene. 
Calmly declin'd thy setting sun, 

No cloud the sweetly solemn scene 

Obscur'd — thy righteous task was done. 

And WHOSE is here 1 the aspect meek, 
The ringlet on the graceful brow, 

The lip's sweet smile, the slender neck, 
All gentle woman's likeness show. 

With every grace ihou mcet'st my view, 
Companion of my childhood's glee ; — 

Mild, sentimental, fond and true, 

The bride of genius thou would'st be. 



Thou had'st thy wish — and this the face; 

Features irregular and wild. 
Proclaim to Physiognomic trace 

The eccentric mind of Fancy's child. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 12|^ 

Ah! ne'er let beauty seek to claim 

Such changeful thought, and wayward will, 

Nor deem the magic of her name. 

Can long their restless wanderings still. 

Where dwell'st thou now 1 through wild and wood. 

Where rolls Ohio's rich full tide, 
Among a people strange and rude. 

Thy fate has call'd thee to preside. 



This too, can dim remembrance show! 

Yes, once I knew in life's young morn. 
That lip's disdain, that frowning brow, 

That spoke the unbeliever's scorn. 

For all that holy men have taught, 
Of blest redemption's sacreti power, 

Seem'd tales, that to thy skeptic thought, 
Might please in childhood's vacant hour. 

Yet had'st thou feelings pure and high ; 

Thy love — alas! 'twas thine alone; 
Ho answering glance e'er met thine eye^ 

Nor smile to bless thy fondest tone. 

Hope, still deluding, linger'd long, 
Till fell disease assail'd thy frame. 

And left the thoughtless crowd among. 
Nought but the memory of thy name. 



122 THE TRIPLS WKEATH. 

Xo hope of brighter worlds than this, 
The future cheer'd, or sooth'd the psst ; 

But thoughts of life, and worldly bliss, 
Bore up thy spirit to the last. 

Far different this — the shadow'd grace, 
The perfect features' lovely line, 

Announce a beauteous female face, 
And nature's fairest form was thine. 

They who in many a foreign clime 

Had own'd of beauty's charms the powcr^ 

Where rose the feudal hall sublime, 
Or bloom'd the rose-wreath'd wyrtle bower. 

Admiring scann'd, with curious glance, 
The rich saloon, the courtly hall, 

The social group or festive dance, 
Confess'd thee loveliest of all. 

But sad eventful days were thine — 
Such beauty oft is doom'd to prove— 

The woes v.'ith orphanage that join, 
The broken vows of faithless love. 

Thou too art gone— the faultless forra, 
The rich dark hazel of thine eye. 

The heart that glow'd with feelings warm. 
In the cold grave forgotten lie. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 123 

Bat mild religion's hailow'd ray, 

Shone brightly on thy parting hour, 
Blest presage of that perfect day, 

Where life's dark clouds can never lower. 



What striking outline meets me srow 1 
Quicit memory's eye hath caught the trace, 

These animated features show, 
impress ofjiusD's expressive grace. 

Such was thy smile in days of yore, 

When blithe with all a bride-maid's glee, 

Thy light step on our festive floor 

Was FIRST, gay task ! to wait on me. 

Thine seem'd the happiest lot of all 
I knew in youth's bright joyous day ; 

Thixe all of bliss we vainly call, 
Thou, — intellectual, blooming, gay. 

Blest in thy fond parental home, 
Blest in thy first — thy only love, 

Where might capricious fancy roam 
Hope's pic*-ar'd joya more fair to prove '?--' 

In the low dwelling of the tomb, 
Hath darkly clos'd each tender tie, 

And through the lofty mansion's gloom, 
Echoes the lonely mourner's sigh. 



124 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

And he to whom was frankly given, 

In love's pure faith thy heart and hand, 

Now roves from prov'd affection riven, 
A wanderer in a distant land. 

No more — too sad the thoughts ye bring, 
Wliile memory's pointing wand displays — 

As though it touch'd some secret spring, — 
The lost delights of other days. 

I Ml close the book and turn me now, 

To scenes where active duties rise ; 
To Heaven's allotments humbly bow, 

Nor seek for bliss beneath the skies. E. P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 125 



TO R. B. 

Will this short flight on fancy's wing, 
Bring back remembrance sweet to thee ; 

To BIND THE wiiEATH she lovcs to fling 
Oe'r youthful hours so bright and free. 

We've launch'd on life's uncertain tide, 
Its surface rippled o'er with cares ; 

And down its current swiftly glide, 

O'er hidden rocks, and shoals, and snares. 



But they who mark life's polar star, 
Their course before the breeze is free ; 

If short the voyage be or far. 
Of cast on aark misfortune's sea. 

V/ithin the wave-toss'd bark is found, 
One who can shield from every ill ; 

Jlebuke the dangers all around, 

And bid the winds and waves "Be tstiil." 



A. J. P. 



1!^ THB TRIPLE WREATB* 



TO C— ^ R -, AND SISTERS. 

Strangers we met — shall we as strangers part ; 

Not thus the warm trust of a grateful heart. — 

Long in that heart shall memory's impress glow, 

The cultured mind, the social graces show, 

As when with you, their bland and cheerful power, 

"Light wings and sunshine," gave the passing hour.— 

The elastic spirits, trifles ne'er can bow,— 

The soul's pure light upon the sunny brow — 

That elegance of mind, no art hath taught, — 

The gentle dignity, not pride hath wrought ; — 

These give to social joys their dearest charm. 

These best the rankling ills of life disarm ; 

And long, dear girls, Heaven grant be yours to share. 

Such calm delight?, untouched by time or care — 

And that with these, each earthly good may blend, 

Ss Iho warm prayer of that stranger friend. 



THE raiPLE \y HEATH. 12V 



BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR 
TREY SHALL SEE GOD." 

Yea, blessed, Father are the soula 

Thy holy voice have known. 
Whose spiritual ear hath dfank 

The music of its tone; 
With humble hearts their crowns have cast. 

In lowly meekness down ; 
These, these, no earthly might can dread, 

Nor aught except thy frown. 

•These see thee in each splendor bright, 

That tints the varying skies. 
Or in the sun's broad golden beam. 

Or rainbow's peerless dies. — 
And in the dewy verdure sheen, 

That veils earth's kindly bosom, 
What time in spring's delicious breath, 

Soft waves the tender blossom. 

In summer's rich abundance poured, 

These mark the power that gives; 
In autumn's garnered treasures see, 

Thy care tor "ail that lives.'* 



128 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Through winter's reign of "cloud and storm," 

With awe Thy might beheld; 
Yet with that might is blended love 

Unmeasured and untold. 



Nor less, these ia the moral world, 

Thy power and goodness see, 
"With blessings crowned the gratful hcarJ^ 

Looks up with joy to Thee. 
If gathers round their shrinking head. 

Misfortune's fearful scath, 
Still beams thy light of love beyond, 

To cheer their darkened path. 

Oh ! grant life's weary cares at rest^ 

No veil of flesh between, 
By the redeemed and faithful soul, 

Thy glory may be seen. 
Lead, Father, to that blessed world. 

Thy realms of life and light, 
Where hope is in fruition lost. 

And faith in raptuied sishU E. F. 



THE TlilPLE WREATH. 129 



THE TOMB OF A POETESP. 

O'er the long wild she journey 'd far — 

Near Michigan's resounding shore- 
While following the western star. 
The lonely desert to explore. 

Where the dark forest spreads its gloom, 
On banks the Raisin's waters lave, 

She found a still sequestered home, 
But, ah ! she found an early grave. 

Long shall her "hazle bank" and "vine," 
Allure the classic traveller there; 

To pay his vows at genius' shrine, 

And drop o'er Chandler's grave a tear. 

That mind no more, and gentle voice, 
Shall swell to harmony her lyre, 

Nor bid the slav€ in hope rejoice, 
To freedom's higher joys aspire. 

And when he shall regain hisRiRHTS, 
He there a pilgrimage will make ; 

Will range with zeal o'er freedom's heights 
To mourn the minstrel of the lake. 



130 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

And long shall kindred souls regret, 
She sought that distant sylvan bower; 

The Upas of the glen there met, 

Which bow'd to earth the lovely flower. 

In after time young maidens fair, 

V/ith the first blossoms of the spring, 

Shall strew around rich fragrance there, 

And birds their earliest matins sing. A. J. P. 



THE TRIFLE WELEATH. 131 



TO MY SISTER. 

0i(] not one mother guide our feet in chilJhood's peaceful day! 
Did not one kappy garden-bound, behold our infant play ! 
Upon one fond and gentle breast, our early griefs were pour'd, 
And all the wise maternal lore, alike our memories stor'd. 

Has not one dear and gifted sire, who^e cherish'd name we 

own, 
Around us both, his arm of love, v\ith kind protection thrown! 
Thus by each tender tie entwined — though parted we may be, 
Through every scene of changeful life, this lieart must turn 

to thee. 

Youth's blissful hours have passed away ; — the years are 

hast'ning on, — 
When in the world's bleak wilderness, one here must stand 

alone ; 
Between us still, then be there love, to gild life's closing day. 
And trust me dearest, not unblest, shall beam that evening 

ray. 

Oft as I aiark thy devious way — f.he spirits light that cheer, 
And strew'd in mental vision fond, with blessings bright aud 

dear — 
(With deeper, holier interest yet, thv filial cares I see — ) 
Tile prayer ascends from evening hearth, and morning couck 

for thee. E. P, 



132 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



MONITIONS. 



" Life is but shadows, save a promise given. 
That lights the future with a fadeless ra}' — 

Come — touch the sceptre — win a hope in heaven. 
Then turn thy spirit from this world away.** 

V.'. GAYLORD CLABK. 

Thou pilgrim ! who journcyest on life's weary road, 
"Whate'er that path be, still remember thy God ; 
jI'o do his blest will, on his mercy to call, 
Ere' the day that in darkness envelopes it all. 

Is thy lot with the lofty, the proud of the earth 1 

Did honors, emoluments wait on thy birth 1 

At the revels of Kings, has thy banqueting been, 

Where the trappings of splendor shone costly and sheen ! 

In the sunshine of fame, is thy laurel wreath blooming, 
Every object around thee, its brightness illuming 1 
Ah ! think when Death o'er these shall cast his dark pall. 
One smile from thy God, will seem brighter than all. 

In thy ancestor's hall, is thy joyous step seen'' 

Thy kind welcome now, where their welcomes have bee: 

Has thy lot been the purest affection to prove, 

Than the bridegroom's more blest, as a husband, thy love. 



THE TRIFLS WREATH. 1S3 

JTas no chili] the fond wish of thy heart disoheyed ? 
Has ihy frietid never fail'd in ihe hour of need ] 
Yet ere Death from endearments so tender shall" call, 
Oh, think of the love that is stranger than all. 



Is thy fancy's fresh glow, as t!ie beams of the morning) 
Each cloud with a rainbow of beauty adorning'' 
To worlds thy vast mind has imao:ined, or found, 
Does thy spirit with rapture unsated, stili bound ] 

But there's one, than all these a more resplerxdently bright* 
And thy soul's fairest visions, are paled in its light; 
O'er joys thus sublime, when the death cloud shall fall, 
One ray from that worki, will illumine it all. 

Or unlov'd and unhonor'd, and homeless to be. 
Has misfortune reversed these bright pictures for thee ? 
Has the darli wing of envy o'ershadow'd thy fame ] 
Or poo. thy fortune, and loivly thy jiame? 

Yet what motes shall these seem, to thy dim closing eye. 
When lonely and wildered thy rest is to die; 
The land of thy father's the home endeared halJ, 
Kowe'er t hou hast loved them, be valueless all. 



Thou faithful believer who low at the cross, 
Art counting earth's noblest attainments as dross ; 
For thy heart's sacred temple, is cleansed from all sin. 
And the lamp of thy God shines triumphant within. 



134 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

Rejoice for the day ! Lov'e Divine sets thee free, 
And the portals of light are unfoldin-g for thee ; 
No more to be weary, nor stumble, nor full, 
Fur the Saviour thou lov'st, shall be then all in all. 

1. P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. I3S 



TO THE COMET: 

VRITTEJf AFTER ITS DISAPl'EARANCS FROM OTTB 
HEMISPHERE. 

Thou hast gone in thy brightness, thou beautiful star ; 
With the train of refalgjance that streamed from thy car ; 
Where Philosophy's Eagle flight never may soar, 
Nor e'en Fancy's bold pinion attempt to explore. 

Had the spirit, commissioned thy splendor's to guidg, 
If spirit there be — o'er thy course to preside 1 
But deigned to commune with some child of the earth, 
And pour on his rapt ear, the tale of thy birth. 

What wonders, thought never conceived had been told: 

Of magnificence. Angels, alone could behold ! 

O why among all who have gaz'd on thy light, 

Was there none ever blest with communings so bright 1 

When the stars of the morning triumphantly sang, 
And the shouts of Archangels, in joyfulness rang ; 
Was TUEx thy glad orb, launched on ether's vast deep, 
Uuclianguig for ages, its pathway to keep 1 



136 THE TRIPLE WRSAXn. 

^^■hat spheres has thy lamp's rich rifulgcncy warm'il ? 
*Mo'.ig sun?-, md through systems, unharming, unharm'J; 
In safety and peace, was thy swift career beat] 
Or in fearful concussion, to rend or be rent ? 



Was thine the dread task, in rude fragments to shiver. 
Some world like our own, into new worlds to sever! 
Such philosophers tell, might the AsTEUoina he- 
Do THESE owe their separate existence to thee'? 

Ah little of thee csn proud science impart, 
To shew what thou hast been, or unfold what thou art : 
Save th.it tv/o thousand years^she has marked thee on high, 
And trac'd thee, returning again to the sky. 

Speed on glorious one, in thy wonderful course, 

From the beams ot our sun, gain new lij;ht and new force 

Still roll on through efher, thy chariot sublime, 

Till Eternity springs from the ruins of Time, E. P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 137 



THE PEN AND FLOWER, 

Suggested by observing among other cherished relics, a mC" 
tallicpen; the handle of which was made of Hawthorn, 
brouglit It nn the tomb of S'aakjpeare ; and a wild ^ower 
that grew on the gr.ive of a beloved Mother. 

Oh ! tell me not of relics brought, 

From graves in Oceania proudest Isle; 
Those trophies once my Fancy caught. 

The HEAKT was calm and cold the while. 

The pen whose aid bestowed e'en novr, 
To cheat this heart of gathering gloom ^ 

Was once a humble hawthorn bough, 
Tiiat graced the bard of Avon's tomb. 

'Tvvas FftiEXBSHip's gift — and prized the more, 

As years successive rolling by; 
Confirm this truth of early lore, 

That Friendship was not born to die. 

But this frail flower, whose slender stem, 

Was reared where sleeps the loveb akb lost, 

is dearer than the costliest gem, • 

That w'eaUi)ie£t diadem can boast. 



138 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

To MF., it breathes in accents soft, 
Of sunny youth's unclouded ray ; 

And seems to waft my soul aloft, 
To purer bliss and holier day^ 



There the freed spirit shares the joy, 

Where souls redeemed forever shine ; 
No stain of earth, no cold alloy, 

Shall cloud the radiance all Divine. A. J. P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH* 13& 



"tVith no vain hope to heal the mourner's grief, 
And yield the sinking heart a blest relief ; 
IS'or to a mind so disciplined and taught 
As thine, to show the wonders faith has wrought.-— 
Faith — that the cavern's inmate dire has awed. 
And through the sever'd wave triumphant trod i 
Faith — that exulting in the sevenfold flame, 
Has sung loud praises to the Almighty name ; 
And still though clouds of sorrow hover nigh, 
Unfolds a radiant vista *o ihe sky. — 
Nor yet to deck with garlands vain a tomb, 
Where twines a wreath that will forever bloom ; 
Nor dwell on grief that even stra^tgeus own 
For him, the generous, honored, loved — and gone f 
Yet with a hope that not unmeet may prove, 
The soothing tones of sympathy and love, 
Would I affection's artless tribute show, 
Which to the friend of years long past I owe. — 
Long past ! — yet sweet to memory^s freshened view— 
"Mellowed by time," but still distinct and true — 
The scenes of bhss witli thee ard thine long shared— 
The scenes of woe thy faithful kindness cheer'd ; 
Oft has my heart delighted to retrace, 
That look benign which time can ne'er efface, 
When by the hopeless couch sad sickness press* d. 
With pangs it seems of parting life disuess'd, 



140 THE TRiPLE WRKATH. 

'I'liat look, with tones of purest feeling hlenuin^, 

Seemed grateful as the dews of Heaven descending ^ 

Cahning with influence mild the anxfous breast, 

And sweetly pointing to the Realms of rest. 

Years have passed on with change and trial fraught 

Life's varying seasons — -cares and joys have brougtit**-- 

And all— ^ahke by time's dark wing o't;rswept ; 

But still her recoid pure haih memory kept. — 

Oh ! may thy shield— 'thy rock—Almighty power, 

Sustain thee in this deeply proving hour ; 

And soothe the heart, which grief's afflictive thorn 

Has waked to feeling each returning morn — 

Illume ihy path with heaven's all-cheering ray, 

Through the calm evening of life's shadowy diy. 

E. P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. Hl 



LINES ON THE DEATH OF H WILLIAMS, A 

LITTLE GIRL, AGED. FIVE YEARS. 

Feeling — 'tis the gift of Heaven, 

Trials — speak a Father's love ; 
That for highest bliss was given, 

These our faith and love to prove. 

When did e'er a lovelier blossom. 

Bloom to cheer life's chequer'd road; 
When did e'er a fonder bosom, 

Greet the blessing Heaven bestowed ? 

Who can paint the warm emotion. 

Which a mother's bosom moved 1 
W^ho can mark the heart's devotion, 

Feel how deep the parent loved "? 

As in bright perspective glowing, 

Years of bliss she saw with thee ; 
Gently down life's current flowing, 

To Eternity's broad sea. 



142 THE TRIPLE WREATH, 

Oh ! how changed the dear illusion I 

Hope on silent pinion fled; 
Sorrow came with dire intrusion, 

Round her blighting mildew shed. 

He, who in thy early morning, 

With such fond parental pride, 
Saw each grace thy steps adorning, 

Watched thy paths, a guard, and guide. 

Now, where sorrows never enter — 

Called in manhood's prime away — 
Welcomes thee where pleasures centre — 

Hails to realms of endless day. 

Yet will memory long deplore them. 

Lost to Earth in morning bloom; ' 
He who took them will restore them, — 

Bid them triumph o'er the tomb. A. J, P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



IN MEMORY 

OF AS IITTEEESTING YOUKG GIRL, VTHg) DTlEi) AFTER A 

lIJTGERIJfG ILL:!SESS, IX THE TRIUMPHS OF TKE 

CHUISTIABT FAITH. 

Oh! what was this world, sweet Rebecca, to thee, 

When the Pearl of great price thou wast ble.st to obtain ; 

Thine eye was anointed its value to see, — 
And death to thee, lovely one, truly was gain. 

What might in this mutable state have been thine 
Of its gilded enjoyments, we question not now; 

Thy lot MIGHT have been in its splendors to shine, 
With the roses of bliss blooming fresh on thy brow. 

Alas ! for her flowers ! ere we twine them they wither ; 

The brightest and sweetest are first to decay ; 
Earth's loveliest things — how they perish together. 

And strew their dark wrecks o'er our time-wearied way ! 

But oh ! if uxnLEST thine allotment had been, 

How rich was the Mercy that call'd from such woes, 

To shed its own rays on life's brief troubled scene, 
And crown with so lovely, so peaceful a close ! 



144 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

WIm';. though thine were the lingering hours of sadness,, 
The long, le^tless n-ght, and the pain-cloudtd morn — 

The geras that now beam on thy ''forehead of g!adne=s," 
Were "clasped by the Giver whose own felt the thorn.'" 

No child of the proud in their loftiest state, 

Though heir to a crown, but might envy thee thine : 

>On their pride and their pngeantries ruin must wait, — 
Bat the glory God giveth, forever will shine. E. P 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 145 



THE WANDERER COMES. 

Affection counts the lingeriHg hoars — *' Why comes he not?'' 

she cries, 
And swit't on fancy's eager wing, o'er ocean's wa?te she flies ; 
Thoughts of the fearful crags beneath — all terrors of the 

main, 
Rush to her trembling, anxious heart — " He must not go 

again." 



Weary, yet joyful, lo ! he comes, from Highland glen and 
mountain, 

From merry England's cultured plain, bright vale and spark- 
ling fountain; 

From France's gorgeous capital, where tinsel'd splendor 
reigns, 

The wanderer comes — delighted comes — to greet his native 
plains. 

He comes ! the fond confiding wife, and inf.mt hand to c'app, 
To plight the true and faithful hand, with friendship's ardent 

grasp ; 
He comes ! the parent, honor'd, lov'd, with duteous heart to 

cheer, 
To glaJ the sisters' holy trust— a brother — oh ! how dear. 



146 THE TRIPLE WHEATH. 

Then lift the grateful heart to Him, who o'er the mighty 

deep 
V/atch'd with unslurabering eye, and bade the angry tempest 

sleep ; 
Soft as the voice of ancel-hymns, ascends that praise above. 
Which rises from earth's hohest band — a family of love. 

E. P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH, 147 



«IT Mt;ST BE so." 

%Vords empJiatically addressed to the loritcr — by 

a Parent near the close of life. 

*' It must be so," the mandate from above, 

IS'ot friendship's hand can stay, nor filial Icve ; 

Yet those who long have shared thy love and care, 

Attend thy couch, and smooth thy silvery hair. — 

That love shed magic o 'er each fleeting year, 

Cheer'd every scene of life — now doubly dear 

When feeble age, and failing strength demand, 

Affection's tribute from a filial band. — 

Thy placid smile still speaks of blissfulhours 

When young life's path was strewn with fairest flowers,— ^ 

By memory's light, I see distinctly traced, 

The smiling group thy social hearth that graced ; 

Together drawn, by ties that firmly oind — 

Congenial tastes — the sure cement of mind : 

To THESE, in after years, will ever be 

Like sweetest music, memory's dream of thee. 



She who once gave to life its dearest charm, 
So true to friendship's claims, confiding warm: 
Who shar'ti thy every grief and joy in this, 
Awaits thy entrance into realms of bliss. 



148 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

The weary days that shadow life's decline, 

Serenely glide, while cheered by Love Divine ; 

Soon must thy spirit reach its final bourne, 

That honor'd form to kindred dust return ; 

In faith triumphant shall thy sun go down 

A righteous life— a peaceful end will crown. A. J. P» 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 149 



HYMN OF A PARTING SPIRIT. 

Going home — going home — yes, bright glimpses I see 
Of that beautiful land — are its joys then for rne? 
The soft breath of flowers, seems to come o'er me now, 
And bathe with its freshness my fever-worn brow. 

What voices — sweet voices ring glad on my ear, 
The tones are all love, and the words are all cheer ; 
And beyond this dark cloud, what rich glories I see — 
Bright forms h^ver there — Oh that land is for me ! 

Eoll faster ye billows and hasten me on, 
Such darkness here gathers, I long to be gone ; 
Dear are ye my luved ones — but oh, far more dear, 
Are the blest ones that bend from yon glorious sphere. 

>Iy bark, long detained in mortality's tide, 
In the dark straits of death, now triumphant doth ride; 
Bear up my tried spirit — this soon will be past — 
The darkest, the deepest — but oh, 'tis the last ! 

'Tis the LAST — that blest v^'ord — how ecstatic, divine, 
Is the promise it brings — it is mine ! it is mine I 
Their voices, sweet voices, more near seem to swell — 
Nov/ 1 touch the bright landing — farewell ! earth farewell ! 

E. F. 



150 THE TRIPLE WREATH, 



The concTuding lines of the following tribute to the memory 
of an excellent mother, have a reference to one of her latest 
conversations with the writer, in which her peculiar views 
of the enjoyments of the spiritual world were emphaticaliy 
expressed, in substance, that to her mind, they could bear 
no resemblance to any of the gratifications of sense ; and 
that the frequent allusions to angelic harmony, in the pages 
of inspired penmen, were merely figurative, and symbolic 
of that melody of soul, which must necessarily flow from 
a state of perfect love and unchanging peace. 

''On wings of remembrance my soul is away." 

W. G. CLARK. 

Away — through years linked with the mighty past, 
Her backward glance doth memory often cast ; 
Where winding gaily on through childhood's bowers, 
liife's little stream was fringed with loveliest flowers; 
deemed the light waves my fragile bark to whelm. 
How watched maternal love the guiding helm ; 
It.« golden tint, prepared o'er all to throw, 
Gilding the cloud, and brightening the bow ; 
And every varying scene of after years, 
To memory's eye, the same glad impress bears ; 
The unwearied love that knew nor "change nor fall," 
Based on the boundless love that fljws to all. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 151 

Mother, beloved — now flown from human ties, 

To join the holy anthem of the skies; 

I would not call thee back to earthly woes, 

From that blest " land of glory and repose," 

Though round my heart the tend'rest memories throng, 

Of all thy kindness, — early, — late, — and long. — 

Mother ! be mine that glorious host to join, 

Who rest in beams of light and love Divine ; 

Where not a cloud shall dim our radiant way, 

Nor sad adieu obscure our heavenly day ; 

Nor golden harps, nor bloom of fadeless bowers, 

But PERFECT LOYE, and EXDLESS PEACE bc OUrS. 

A. J. p. 



153 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



To A T , on her requesting the writer to 

furnish some lines, commemorative of a depar- 
ted friend* 

Dear Agnes, why ask the memorial h'ne, 
A garland to wreath o'er a premature bier, 

What hand for the task is more fitting than thine, 
Who gave for the lost, feeling's exquisite tear. 

When in'antine loveliness passed from a herr:h, 

Claiming kindred with thine, the sweet garland who gave, 

To soothe with its fragrance the mourners of earth 
And light with pale blossoms the gloom of the grave. 

Thite then be the task ; love shall hallow the numbers, 
That flow at her bidding, impressive and free. 

For the heart stilled forever in death's peaceful slumbers — 
The heart once that beat, true to friendship and thee. 

Ah what are the glories of life's early morning, 
Thus soon with dark shadows of death overcast; 

Yet of scenes once so bright with grace, goodness adorning. 
How sweet the remembrance ! foPvEves though pact. 



THE Triple nREAXK, 153 

^hou hasf bid of her virtues in language all closing 
From a heart deeply ttuched with the worth it portraysr ; 

A halo so bright rojnd her memory throwing, 

E'en the heart of the stranger was won to her praise„ 

Thou hast tcld of fond ties that encompassed her here, 
Of the treasures of love that were poured at her feet, 

And the promptings of sympathy tender and dear, 
Have chimed for that loved one a rec^uiem meet. 



Then thti^e be the task ; love shall hallow the numbers 

That flow at her bidding expressive and Uee ; 
Bat Oh ! ne'er can they wake from the tomb's peaceful 
slumbers, 
The heart once that beat, true to friendship and thee. 

E. P. 



151 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 



LINES 



On hearing of the arrest of the Irish patriot 
O'Connell, 

And dared their blind foil}' to fetter the wing 
Of the Edgle that winked not at royalty's sun ; 

Though trammel'd, unawed, to the conflict he'il bring 
Unfaltering strength 'till the victory's won. 

For a freedom impartial, and broad as he claims, 
In an age like the present, success must ensure ; 

When the worship that clung to long idolized names, 
Yields at leno-th to a homage more lofty and pure. 

When the soul — how e'er shrined — whether lowly or great 
Its allotment on earth — we are taught to revere ; 

When the brotherhood-bond, in extremes of each state, 
Our Childs and our Channings hold equally dear. 

Names to freedom are pledged of the noble and tried, 
Not the few to exalt, but the welfare of all ; 

For the stone* from the great human temple hath cried, 
And the beam from the timber hath answered the call. 



*<'For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out 
of the timber shall answer it." — Habakkuk, 2. 11, 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. I'^^S 

Lo ! their sounJ hath gone forth to the ends of the earth. 
And a standard, all bloodless and pure, is unfurl'd ; 

While the nations are hailing with gladness the l-irtii 
Of an era, the brightest e'er dawned on the world. 

Ye clansmen of Liberty, speed on the sign, 
A halo of truth round it gloriously burning. 

Which proclaims to all eyes that its source is divine— 
An earnest, pure, bright, of triumphant returning. 



AndTHor, of the names which thy country has given 
To the broad scroll of fame, yet the proudest naust shine ; 

For of those in her cause who most nobly have striven, 
The mild rays of peace have illumined but thine. 

E. P. 



156 TEE TRIPLE WREATH, 



LINES 

On the demise 6f an intelligent and interesting little 
girl, the last of five^ children, \^'ho had been successively re- 
moved from the parental hearth by death. 

They have gone down to their lowly beds — the fair, the 

bright, the sweet, 
They are gathered to that home of love, where angel spirits 

meet ; — 
Dust hath returned to kindred dust— the soul to him above, 
Who sent them foith to cheer and bless — svpeet messengers of 

love. 

"V^^hat though in scenes they gladdened once — their gladsome- 

ness is o'er, 
And we who fondly loved shall view each graceful charm no 

more ; 
Yet who may tell the gain to them:, in that fair world of 

bliss, 
Whose portals wide unfold to shield, the wanderers of this. 

We know the loved and lost are there, for this our God hath 

told, 
That ever blest, they dwell secure— within that Heavenly 

fold; 



THE TRIPLE WREATH 157 

But of the roRMs their bliss may wear, no human tongu* 

can tell — 
Enough this sacred truth to know, it must for thesi be well. 

The gifted and the good have loved — to fondly picture fair, 
Creations bright of holy thought — and ardent fancy there ; 
From Nature's varied, beauteous scenes — glad images they 

drew, 
And trusting faith, and fervent hope — blend v\ith the idea! 



All that they loved, and treasured most — of music, gems and 

flowers. 
With ever-living freshness charm — they deem, in Heavenly 

bowers ; 
Ah ! vain the prophet's tongue of fire, the poet's matchless 

skill. 
That unseen world — hath ever been to all a myctcry still. 



But "God is Love" — and what of this — at times we faintly 

feel. 
An earnest is of raptures high— his grace will yet reveal: 
Love which alone can brighten earth — in PEiiFJiCTJ«Ess must 

be. 
Itself a heaven of pure delight, from eartlily bondage free. 

And thou the last and loveliest— of that departed band-~ 
Lucretia — gone in life's young bloom— to that far spiiit land 



158 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

No stain of earth around thee clung — no cloud was on thy 
brow — 

Pure as a seraph's thought seemed thine — can'st thou be purer 
now 1 

He whose unbounded love oft drew — with sweet constraining 
power, 

Thy loving, truthful heart to Him — in twilight's holy hour ; 

fetill nearer — and mere closely drew — till melting fasi, away, 

Each mortal band was loosed — and thou sprang forth to end- 
less day. E. P. 



TtlE TRIPLE WREATH. 159 



THE GRAVE OF A GRANDCHILD. 

Yon liUle mound — should wake no thought of gloom. 
No bitter tears e'er strew its verdant sod ; 

For a freed spirit, gone in childhood's bloom, 
But safe reposing with her father — God. 

Safe from the summer shower, the Autumn blast. 
The storms that darken oft life's wintry day ; 

Her brief probation, brightly, sweetly past. 
Soft dews and sunlight blest her transient way. 



Her infant loveliness, I may not tell, 

Though memory's page preserves the transcript fair 5 
In fond parental hearts 'twill ever dwell, 

And find Love's most enduring record there. 
Faith whispers on Heaven's ever-blooming shore 
Our blossom feels earth's mildew blight no more. 

A. J. P. 



160 THE TRIPLE WIlEATH, 



TO R. P. 

" WE DO NOT FORGET." 

No ! the lore we have treasured may fade from the mind. 

In darkness the bright star of poesy set ; 
Her sweet wreathing garlands may joy cease to bind, 

But the love that ne'er faileth we do not forget. 

We do not forget — for in sickness and sorrow, 
The seal of that love was unchangeably set ; 

From the gloom that surrounded, fresh lustre to borrow, 
And pure as of old, that true light shineth yet. 

When one who long loved, and still loved thee was passing 
To that world in which sorrow and change are unknown 5 

In the language then poured with affectionate blessing. 
In THAT language I fain would embody my own. 

* For a kindness unselfish and steadfast as thine, 
Love's own pure reward must await at life's close ; 

May this trust cheer thy pathway to regions divine 
Where with lost, and beloved oneS; the »ouI may repose/ 

A. J. P. 



THE TRIPLE WREATH. 161 



IN MEMORY OF A FATHER. 

As a calm lengthened day sweetly come to its close, 
As an ear fully ripe for the harvester's hand; 

So gentle, and peaceful, the emblem that shows, 
Thy flight to a holier, happier, land. 



And shall we lament thee 1 oh ! are they of grief 
The tears that in secret thus tenderly fall 1 

To the overcharg'd breaat bringing often relief 
As we muse on the love we can never recall. 

No ! 'tis feeling's warm tribute, for can we repine 

That the task which life's weakness made heavy is done t 

Can we grieve when we know what a guerdon is thiac, 
For the conflict is past — and the victory won. 

And dear is that feeling — a hallowing charm. 

That bids the fond gaze of remembrance be thrown, 

To mark with a gratitude earnest and warm, 
The steps of a pilgrimage pure as thy own. 

And blest, oh ! still blest in thy promptness to gather, 
Life's roses the sweetest, untouching the thorn ; 

"VV hether strewed in the pathway of others, or whether 
On thy calm brow in meekness and thankfulness worn. 



162 THE TRIPLE WREATH. 

And blest in rich memories — never to part, 

O'er life's evening shadows their brightness that cast 

As they told the unwavering love of a heart, 

Which returned all thy tenderness, true to the last. 

Thrice blest! in the hope of those memories born, 
To meet, where the parting word shadoweth never ; 

Where the crown Love hath ever triumphantly worn, 
Shall beam on in beauty — unchanging forever. 

A. J. P. 



NOV Bl (S05i 



